ART graduates will have the chance to work on a special commission to mark the entrance to the restored Lee Quarry site at Bacup.

Lee Quarry has been disused since the 1970s, but has been part of an ambitious and innovative scheme developed by Lancashire County Council to transform the area into a local amenity with the opportunity to learn about the natural and industrial heritage.

The permanent artwork commission is intended to mark the entrance to the quarry and to celebrate the restoration of the site, which is within the area of the Irwell Sculpture Trail.

The communications, information and lifelong learning executive of Lancashire County Council, will be recommended at their meeting at County Hall on Friday to agree to a £1,000 grant from the public art allocation.

the commission will be offered as a practical training opportunity for artists on the Irwell Sculpture Trail 1st Out Bursary Scheme for recent graduates and the Lancashire Setting Up Scheme, which aims to support the transition from art graduate to becoming a practising professional artist.