Woking pays tribute to punk band The Jam

The sculpture was inspired by children's interpretations of The Jam's music

A sculpture tribute to The Jam has been unveiled in the band's Surrey home town by its drummer, Rick Buckler.

The work by East Sussex artist Richard Heys forms part of the redevelopment of Woking town centre.

Mr Heys worked with band members, local schools and local residents on the concept for the artwork.

Guitarist and vocalist with the rock band, Paul Weller, said: "I'm proud that The Jam has inspired this great piece of artwork for Woking."

Mr Heys said he drew on inspiration from local children's interpretation of the group's music during workshops at St John the Baptist School, Bishop David Brown School and Woking High School.

He said: "Creating a piece of art on this scale for a community is always daunting and given the legendary subject it was all the more challenging."

The new sculpture is part of the £250m redevelopment of Woking town centre and was commissioned by Barratt Homes.

Top 10 singles

Friends at the Sheerwater Secondary School founded The Jam in 1972 and started off their career playing R&B covers and Weller's own songs in working men's clubs in Woking and around Surrey.

The Jam had 18 consecutive UK top 10 singles and before their 1982 split, they had sold over 14 million albums worldwide.

Weller went on to form The Style Council, and after the band's split in 1989 went on to have a solo career. In March his album Sonik Kicks entered the UK chart at number one, 30 years after The Jam's first chart topping single.

Mr Heys said: "We have created something truly special that not only represents the personal achievements of the band but also the place in which they are held in the hearts of the people of Woking."

Bruce Foxton, bass guitarist, said: "I'm extremely proud to have been part of The Jam and would like to thank all the people involved in honouring us with this sculpture."