A BRAND new sculpture has been unveiled in Herefordshire to celebrate the achievements of a artist who has lived in Herefordshire for most of his life.

In 1969, Walenty Pytel's sculpture the Woodpecker was unveiled after being commission by cidermaker Bulmers. It was his first major free-standing welded sculpture and Pytel went on to become a prolific artist, recognised as one of the world's leading metal sculptors of birds and animals.

Exactly 50 years on, Mr Pytel's latest work Kingfisher with Minnow has been unveiled. Commissioned by the Cider Museum, it celebrates the contribution of Pytel's art to Herefordshire's cultural landscape and cider's role in kick-starting his career.

Hereford Times Camera Club

member Belinda Olsen was at the unveiling where there was also an exhibition showcasing some of Walenty's work and the industrial heritage of the area around the Cider Museum where the two sculptures stand.