A SPECTACULAR and unique art display is putting in another appearance at a top Cheshire beauty spot.

Last year's unique collection of international flags brought together an artist, schoolchildren and the lifetime hobby of a former lock keeper to transform the picturesque setting of Dutton Locks near Acton Bridge.

The River Weaver locks have been developed as a fully accessible picnic area and exhibition site for community environmental arts projects.

The stunning scheme is the result of a joint £13,000 arts initiative between British Waterways and the Weaver Valley Initiative funded by INEOS Chlor and Vale Royal Borough Council and supported by local organisations and voluntary groups.

Artist Wendy Meadley produced a dazzling array of flags for the formal opening of the renovated Dutton Locks, where they remained as a vibrant display throughout last summer.

The commission was inspired by the collection of Carl Leckey, a lock keeper at Dutton Locks for 32 years, during which Carl collected national ensigns from the foreign ships passing through his locks to and from Cheshire's salt mines.

Wendy worked with the children of Weaverham Forest Primary School to produce original designs, from which she created individual flags, which are now back to fill the site with their movement and colour until autumn.

Carl now lives in retirement at Dutton Locks where his collection of flags remained a secret until a visit from Ann Bates, Weaver Valley Initiative Project Officer.

Ann said: "Meeting Carl coincided with planning the Dutton Locks project, so his fascinating hobby provided the natural material for one of our community art projects."

The Weaver Valley Initiative is a key part of the Mersey Basin Campaign, a 25-year partnership with a remit to improve river water quality and promote regeneration throughout the Mersey Basin river system.