The Sky Bowl would float over the Durham horizon

They were told the "haunting image" of the Sky Bowl floating over the Durham horizon would quickly establish itself as a must-see visitor attraction.

It would be instantly recognisable from the A1(M) motorway and the East Coast Main Line railway, but people would also be able to go inside the bowl.

The concept has been commissioned from Swedish sculptor Pal Svensson.

It would be more than 50ft (15.24m) in diameter, would sit on top of an existing steep sided hillock, between County Hall and Durham City centre.

'Timeless form'

People would be able to enter the bowl, where they would find themselves enveloped by blue sky, sunshine or clouds with no other natural or man-made image in sight.

Commissioned by Durham County Council, the bowl will possibly form the culmination of its public art strategy for the Aykley Heads estate, which surrounds County Hall.

Visitors would be able to go inside the structure

A Public Art Panel is focussing attention on Mr Svensson's work as a likely contender for the permanent installation.

Council Leader Ken Manton said: "It is a world class piece of art that would put County Durham firmly on the international map for work of this kind.

"The intention is not to compete with the likes of the Angel of the North, but to complement it, and add to the growing gallery of public art that is the North East region."

Mr Svensson said: "The form of the Bowl is timeless and will emphasise the beauty of the landscape of County Durham.

"The idea has great potential, from a long distance as well as close-by. I hope it will engage people of all ages and backgrounds and make people want to return as the experience will always change."