CHILDREN at Hope-under-Dinmore are being asked to come up with ideas as an artist prepares to turn a tree stump into a piece of sculpture.

A tree in a grassy area at the centre of their estate had to be felled. The Marches Housing Association helped residents gain a £500 grant from the Elmley Arts Fund to transform the stump into a work of art. Local sculptor John Harrison, who undertook similar work at Easters Wood, Leominster is now set to start carving at Hope.

But first of all Lily Horseman from Wild Play will be taking the local children into the surrounding countryside to develop ideas for the sculpture. After they have come up with their ideas on paper or in clay, John will produce designs based on the preferences of the youngsters.

The Dinmore Residents Association is seeking funds to fence off an area around the sculpture. The group aims to create a safe place for children to play.