Candle sculpture unveiled to encourage visitors

Mayor, councillor Craig Collinswood, said Robot Cossey's latest sculpture was "beautiful"

A sculpture of a candle and flame reflecting Wolverhampton's motto has been revealed in a city church's grounds.

The wooden artwork was sculpted by local artist Robot Cossey from the remains of a damaged cedar tree in St Peter's Church gardens.

Representing the phrase, "Out of darkness cometh light", it was funded by the government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Mayor, councillor Craig Collingswood, said: "This new sculpture is absolutely beautiful and it's inspirational to see how something that was so badly damaged can still be enjoyed in such a meaningful way."

The carved sculpture was created from a felled tree by artist Robot Cossey

The cedar tree was felled for safety reasons earlier this year after being badly damaged during Storm Darragh.

It led the council's arboricultural team to suggest Mr Cossey could use the salvaged wood to create the artwork, which now stands on the tree's stump.

The sculpture is one of a number of churchyard schemes funded from the same pot of money, including the repair and cleaning of St Peter's fountain, the council said.

Future plans include lighting up the gardens to improve city-centre safety, as well as the church facade and Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

Councillor Chris Burden, cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills, said the "wonderful sculpture" was part of plans to encourage visitors to Wolverhampton and make it "a destination city to be truly proud of".