THE beauty of the Forest of Bowland is highlighted by four dramatic new sculptures to launch a 16-month celebration of one of East Lancashire’s most’s breathtaking landscapes.

It covers every aspect of the area’s artistic heritage from its hills and valleys through to its food and the painters who draw inspiration from it.

Blackburn artist Halima Cassell catches the sun on Jeffrey Hill in her sculpture.

Pendle-based Philippe Handford combines rough-hewn timbers and perspex to provide an ‘Outake’ with new perspective on the countryside of Langden Intake near Dunsop Bridge.

They are two of four internationally-famous artists who are in involved in ‘Landmarks’, the opening exhibition of a series of events marking the 50th anniversary of the Forest of Bowland's official designation as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

They created their work enhancing the landscape to launch the celebrations which run until December next year. Until November 9, the public can visit the artworks and explore the wonders of the forest from a new viewpoint.

Halima’s ‘Sun Catcher’ stands atop Jeffrey Hill on Longridge Fell as a cluster of sculpted elements around a central feature carved from a mighty tree trunk.

She said: “This is a beauty spot that I show off to visitors from around the globe.

“It is an important destination for me, a very clear and wide panorama of beautiful Bowland.”

Mr Handford, who recently exhibited in Moscow and Paris, said of his new take on his chosen beauty spot: “I was struck by the tall trees that formed a natural clearing. I realised that they formed a horseshoe arrangement, providing a natural stage.

“Often these wild locations offer challenges of material; weather and natural elements that help inspire."

Ms Pilgrim’s sculpture ‘Beauty’ can be found nestling near Beacon Fell Country Park’s visitor centre and Salina Somalya’s ‘Celeste’ at the Gisburn Forest Hub.