CONSERVATION worker Emma Dean has a mission to bring sculpture to the Colne Valley scenery.
Emma, 27, has just been appointed project officer for the River Colne Sculpture Trail.
Cash from Arts Council England has enabled her to be employed on the project for two-and-a-half years.
Emma will work from the Slaithwaite-based Rail and River Centre and her new job has brought a big change in lifestyle.
She has just finished cycling on a tandem across Romania and Moldova. And before that she lived in Quebec City in Canada for 18 months.
It is the first time that Emma, originally from Northampton, has tackled a sculpture trail project.
She is applying for cash to put 10 sculptures at different points along the banks of the Colne.
The sculptures - all in different media - will reflect different aspects of the river and the Colne Valley.
No fixed route has been decided, but the trail will use the canal towpath as its main guide.
There are plans for short circular walks - including some suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs - around the trail.
The trail has just been awarded £5,000 by the lottery's Awards for All programme.
Emma said: "This is a large part of the cash we need for our first sculpture commission.
"There will be opportunities for local people to get involved at all stages.
"The trail will reflect the valley's environmental diversity and change from the industrial to the digital age."
She said she is already enjoying the job, adding: "I was attracted to the job by the mix of art and the environment.
"The Colne Valley is a beautiful place. I'm looking forward to getting involved with all aspects of the project and meeting lots of people.
"This project really grabbed me and I'm so excited about my new role."
There will be a series of workshops at which local people can work with artists to develop the sculpture trail.
People can also visit the trail as it progresses.
Emma is also hoping people will visit the Rail and River Centre at Slaithwaite Civic Hall to give their ideas about the trail.
She can be contacted on 01484 840838.
More details about the project can be viewed online at www.rivercolnesculpturetrail.org.uk
