Giant Roman helmet for Dyke trail

Set designers for Wallace and Gromit create a sculpture for a nature trail

A company that has produced sets and props for the Wallace and Gromit films is creating a sculpture of a Roman helmet for a national trail.

Cod Steaks will install the 1.3m high stainless steel helmet near the start of Offa's Dyke in Prestatyn in May as a link to the town's Roman history.

Project manager Ruth Spiller said the designers love building for animation and exhibitions.

But "public art is a real passion", she said.

"It allows us to stretch our own creativity as a company."

The Bristol-based firm has produced sets and props for Aardman Animations - makers of the Oscar-winning Wallace and Gromit films - for 25 years.

The sculpture, which is 3.5m wide, will be installed at Lower Hillside Gardens, where the Offa's Dyke footpath joins the road leading into the town centre.

Community link

Ms Spiller said Cod Steaks were careful to ensure the sculpture, which represents a link with Prestatyn's Roman history, bore relevance to the community.

"We were looking for something which would fit the town's identity while at the same time making a fun statement," she said.

Pupils from Prestatyn High School have also contributed to the design - the leaves on the side of the helmet will be engraved with references to their drawings about the town.

The helmet is one of three works of art recently commissioned. A stainless steel obilisk has already been installed on the seafront at Central Beach, a third piece of art is planned for near the railway station.

Councillor David Thomas, lead member for regeneration at Denbighshire County Council, said: "We are confident that the three works commissioned for Prestatyn will complement the regeneration work that is already going on, and be a visual focus of the town's heritage, townscape and history."

The Roman helmet will be unveiled on 15 May to coincide with the opening of the Prestatyn walking festival.

The 177-mile long dyke stretches from Monmouthshire and dates from Anglo-Saxon times under 8th Century king of Mercia Offa, although there have been attempts to argue it may have had Roman origins.

The dyke and its earthworks were believed to have been constructed as a defence along the border with Wales.

Prestatyn takes its logo from one of Offa's coins.