'Angel' celebrates 10th birthday

The Angel has become a North East landmark

The search is on to find every child in the north-east of England born on 14 February 1998 - to mark the 10th anniversary of the Angel of the North.

The iconic sculpture, created by Antony Gormley, overlooks the A1 motorway in Gateshead and has become one of the UK's best-known pieces of public art.

Gateshead Council has planned a year-long programme of events to mark the anniversary of its installation.

The culmination will be a huge photo of 10-year-olds in front of the sculpture.

ANGEL OF THE NORTH Took four years to design and manufacture Contains 3,153 pieces of steel Took 20 men six months to assemble Sits in 20-metre deep foundations

The 20-metre high Angel of the North, which cost £800,000, was commissioned by Gateshead Council to create a millennial image and landmark of the region's character.

Latest figures suggest the sculpture is seen by 33 million people every year.

Leader of Gateshead Council, Mick Henry, said: "People across our borough, our region and our country have taken the Angel of the North to their hearts over the past 10 years.

"In the early days people were not easily convinced that this magnificent sculpture would be a success, but the test of time has proven that not only do people like it but they are extremely proud of it too.

"It seems only right that we celebrate its birthday with all those 10 year olds out there that perhaps don't realise that they share the same anniversary."