Sedgefield borough council has announced that local artist Joseph Hillier will create the sculpture, entitled " In Our Image".

North-east contractor Aycliffe Fabrications will manage the five-month project, which is due to start this week.

Civil engineering consultant on the project is Arup, which has tested a 3D virtual model of the sculpture to ensure it can withstand extreme weather conditions.

Aycliffe Business Park is one of the largest business parks in the North-east, employing up to 8,000 people