SHORTLISTED designs for a new seafront sculpture will go on public display this week.

Four models have been selected from entries to Eastbourne Borough Council’s competition to create a piece of public art marking the community’s overwhelming support for the pier after the 2014 fire.

Councillor David Tutt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said: "These are four very distinctive designs and the panel is interested to know people’s views on them before picking a winner.

"As awful as it was for so many of us seeing the pier in flames, we want to celebrate the town’s wonderful rallying spirit in the weeks and months following the fire.

"A sculpture is a great way to do this and will provide yet another attraction on our award-winning seafront."

The shortlisted entries are Phoenix Vane by Sue McDougal and Caroline Pick, Forged by Flame by George King Architects, Gulls by Cynthia de Wolf and Time and Tide Bell by Marcus Vergette.

Phoenix Vane is a weather vane in the form of the mythical bird rising from the ashes, mounted on a plinth made of one of the pier’s surviving girders.

Forged by Flame is formed from over 20,000 damaged two pence coins that were reclaimed from the ashes of the fire.

Gulls is a series of seagull silhouettes using materials retrieved from the fire symbolic of freedom, opportunity and survival.

Time and Tide Bell is created using digital software and the latest casting techniques, with the installation holding the bell made using materials recovered from the fire.

The designs can be viewed in the Towner Art Gallery's Junction Box and café from tomorrow until Wednesday, June 29.

The chosen piece of art will be located in a prominent and suitable space on the seafront.

People are invited to give their feedback on the four designs by emailing Sculpture@eastbourne.gov.uk.

The judging panel will take these comments into account when making its final decision.

Please note the display will be open from 10am to 5pm every day expect Monday, June 27, when the gallery in College Road is closed.