Giant illuminated dragonflies made of rubbish were set free at a recycling event.

The LED-lit dragonflies were unveiled at Veolia Environment-al Services’ Materials Recovery Facility in Hollingdean, Brighton.

Made of locally collected recycled materials, the dragonflies cost £25,000 and were designed by local artists Lucy Williams, Chris Hawkins and Amy Douglas.

The ever-changing LED lights give the impression that the dragonflies are hovering over the building and “represent the delicate balance of our eco-systems”.

Councillor Bill Randall, Mayor of Brighton and Hove, said: “I am very impressed by the dragonflies, particularly the fact that they are made from recycled material that has been collected locally and the fact that they have been produced by local artists."