Coronavirus: Charles Elliott sculpture to be auctioned for NHS

In Safe Hands is on show alongside the A41, near the sculptor's studio in Hertfordshire

A sculpture showing appreciation for key workers will be auctioned to raise funds for the NHS.

Charles Elliott said In Safe Hands is a "creation from isolation" and is on show alongside the A41, near his studio in Hertfordshire.

Auctioning it will help raise awareness for the NHS and emergency service efforts during the coronavirus pandemic, he hopes.

Proceeds will go to the NHS charity, COVID-19 Urgent Appeal.

'Love and care'

Elliott said he wanted to create a sculpture during isolation that would "remind key workers on their travels to keep up the hard work".

The zinc galvanised sphere, inside a pair of hands, is illuminated at night and can be seen from the road near Berkhamsted. It measures 165cm by 165cm.

"[It] symbolises the love and care presented by our health workers, not only in the NHS but worldwide in all the different sectors," a message on the sculptor's website said.

"We hope the key workers travelling to and from work can be reminded that we fully appreciate their support and hard work."

The auction begins on Friday at 09:30 BST and will run until 1 May at 20:00 BST.

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