Couple become an artwork first

The two figures stand 12.5 metres above the water on an island breakwater 350 metres out to sea off the coast of Northumberland.

The bronzes, named Couple, are the finishing touch to a £10 million coastal erosion programme off Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, which will see the village regain its beach.

Weather and sea conditions were perfect for the complicated installation process, which saw the five metre figures winched into position on top of a 7.5 metre platform above the waves.

The piece was commissioned by Inspire - the South East Northumberland Public Arts And Design Initiative - to sit on top of the 200 metre long, 40 metre wide breakwater.

A project spokesman said it will be the UK's first permanent offshore sculpture.

They were painted with a specialist covering normally used on buoys, which should protect them from the North Sea's pounding.

Creator Sean Henry, based in London, said: "It has been an exciting challenge to create an art work for this unique environment - the last few days has shown how the light and atmosphere in Newbiggin Bay changes dramatically with the weather and makes it such a fantastic location for a sculpture.

"The breakwater is an incredibly dramatic location for a sculpture, and I hope when people first see the pier and the two figures looking out to sea that the work will appear both surprising and familiar."

The sculptor was inspired by the feeling of isolation coast-watchers sometimes experience to make the piece.