A STAINLESS steel sculpture depicting Maryport's heritage has been installed at the town's harbourside.

The striking disk-shaped piece has been commissioned by the town council and shows Maryport's maritime, mining and Roman history, which will be lit up at night.

Lisa Douglas, Maryport town clerk, said: "It can be seen from the Roman museum, the Settlement, the top of the High Street and at night when lit up it will be especially stunning."

Maryport town clerk Paul Bramley added: "I think it will be fantastic for bringing tourists into the town. It is unique and tourists coming from the lakes will have something extra to see in this area."

The clerks consulted with senior town council members on the designs which reflect the history of Maryport.

Alauna - the Roman name for Maryport was selected, along with other images that include an M&C and train for Maryport and Carlisle railway; a boat, representing the fishing and sailing industry; the Titanic - because of the connection with Mr Ismay and the White Star line; the Fleming Square memorial; miners; the Christ church spire and Marra the dolphin.

Weather permitting, the electrical lighting work is due to be completed by the end of August.

Once connected, the lights will switch on at the same time as the street lights and will have six different lighting phases.

Intended originally for the Irish Street entrance to Maryport, to welcome people to the town, county Highways rejected the location because of possible distractions to motorists by the lights.

The Marina and Harbour board agreed for the installation to be placed diagonally opposite the Lake District Coast Aquarium.

An Allerdale Borough Council community grant covered the £9,000 cost.

Fire Pit Design from the North East produced the large structure. A spokesman for the company, Wendy Taylor, said this sculpture at six foot six tall and 4.5 feet wide, is the largest the company has ever done.

The stainless steel panels were so big when they first arrived that the company struggled to get them into their workshop.