Huge installation inspired by cathedral hit in WW2

The temporary landmark will measure around 20m (65.6ft) high

People have been invited to take part in building a huge cardboard model that will echo the old Coventry Cathedral, to mark 85 years since the blitz.

Taking its cue from the cathedral ruins, organisers said the artwork would be constructed from thousands of pieces of card.

The installation, designed by Olivier Grossetête, will form a temporary landmark, described as a "monumental structure inspired by the cathedral", standing about 20m (65.6ft) high.

People are being invited to free workshops, held in Drapers' Hall, from 10 to 15 November, with Coventry City Council saying: "We need the communities of Coventry to play their own part in the city's history and help us build this structure."

Once its complete, it will be situated in Broadgate, in the city centre, and will be built on the final day of the workshops.

The artwork will then remain until 15:00 GMT on the Sunday, for people to capture the moment and invite family and friends to be part of the weekend.

Those attending on the Sunday are invited to assist in the deconstruction of the building, to reflect the sudden loss of the old Cathedral on 14 November 1940.

'Community spirit'

Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, said the structure would act as an "iconic" centrepiece to the city's commemorations of the blitz.

He said: "What's particularly special and important in this project, is the engagement of local people and our communities in creating and building this iconic structure.

"Being part of such a wonderful project engenders a sense of community spirit and of resilience in pulling together and creating something special - attributes that Coventry people themselves showed during such a terrible period in the city's history."

A vigil and civic service are planned for 14 November to remember the 550 people killed in the 12-hour raid by German bombers during World War Two.