A NEW sculpture is to be unveiled overlooking Morecambe Bay.

Set on a headland , the Praying Shell by artist Anthony Padgett combines themes from nature with the spiritual heritage of Morecambe Bay to create a symbol of reflection, renewal and environmental integration. The work will provide a point of interest and inspiration for walkers along the coastal path.

Its symbolism is intended to parallel humanity's openness to a larger dimension and the way cockle shells open as the tide comes in.

And while links might be made to the Morecambe Bay Chinese Cockle Picker tragedy, nearly 10 years ago, a smaller version of the sculpture was already created by Anthony in 1994.

The one-metre high limestone sculpture will be unveiled by Coun Ron Sands, who has known Anthony for many years and is Cabinet Member responsible for Leisure, Culture and Tourism and is the former head of tourism for Lancaster City Council.

The commission received planning permission to be sited at Red Bank Farm, Bolton-le-Sands, in spring 2013 and was carved from limestone over the summer. Anthony’s other works include the award-winning Millennium Angel at Leighton Hall, Yealand, near Carnforth.

The sculpture will be unveiled at a Sunset Soiree at 3pm on Saturday, November 30.