A SIGN with a difference is due to be officially unveiled on Minehead seafront next week, marking the beginning of the South West Coastal Path.
The 'sign' takes the form of a huge sculpture of a pair of hands holding a map and has been made by sculptor Owen Cunningham based on an original design by former West Somerset Community College student Sarah Ward.
Head of art at the college, Andrew Davey, said he was "delighted" with the finished piece and that it had remained true to Sarah's original idea.
He said: "The piece is absolutely splendid. As a sculptural form it works well. The various contrasting forms are well balanced and proportioned, with equal measure given to solid and open space.
"As a figurative piece, it makes perfect sense as a celebratory marker for a journey to come or a journey completed, and as a sign posted with relevant information."
He said the sculpture was also strong enough to enable visitors to the area to climb on to it and pose for a photo to commemorate their trip to the town.
Mr Davey added: "I am very pleased for Sarah and her family, pleased for Minehead and especially grateful to the South West Coastal Path team who proposed the project."
Sarah is currently doing an arts foundation course at the Somerset College of Arts and Technology, in Taunton, with a view to doing a two year degree in art and design.
Photo: Steve Guscott.