Artworks previewed before sculpture trail begins

Sculptures are being stored in a warehouse ahead of their installation to create an art trail around Great Yarmouth

Sculptures that will create an art trail in a seaside town have been shown in a preview ahead of their installation.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) has invested £330,000 in the project through the government's Town Deal funding.

A dozen works, created by local, national and international artists, will be installed across the Norfolk town over the next few weeks, with the whole trail set to be unveiled in June.

"It's part of a wider scheme around tourism and attracting visitors into the town," said project manager Tracey Reed.

Natasha Hayes, executive director of place, and project manager Tracey Reed say the sculptures will enrich local people and create a new attraction for visitors

"We want to be a 365-day tourism economy, and this fits with the work we're doing at the Winter Gardens to help us achieve that."

The Winter Gardens, on the town's seafront, are due to be restored as part of an £18m project.

Of the sculptures, Natasha Hayes, the council's executive director of place, said: "It's so hard to choose your favourite because they're all iconic in their own right.

"We've got Vorte Breath, which is picking up on the wind and offshore side of things that happen off our coastline; we've got the seahorses, which are just resplendent and celebrate our natural resources.

"The sculpture that's arrived [on a lorry] is a heart on a pillar that's got some glass-coloured inserts that will reflect the sun.

"It's going at the bottom of Regent Road and the idea is it celebrates our tourism.

"The Juggler celebrates circus, so I can't choose a favourite because I love them all and I can't wait to see them installed."

Councillor Daniel Candon says he hopes residents will look after the sculptures and help deter vandals

Daniel Candon, Conservative cabinet member for economic development and growth, said: "One of the key aims of this is to improve the visitor experience and this is a trail that will be available all year round.

"And [it will] amplify the pride of place for local communities. We have an incredible offer of heritage and culture in Great Yarmouth and it is about being loud and proud about it."

He acknowledged some public art, such as graffiti murals, had been defaced by vandals, but said he hoped the community would play its part in protecting the sculptures.