A new exhibition centre for the Upper Eden Valley is set to attract visitors from around the world.

The largest collection of permanent work undertaken by environmental sculptor Andy Goldsworthy is nearing completion and plans are now in place to create an International Centre in Westmorland where followers of the artist's work can find out more about his sculptures.

Andy Goldsworthy has worked on 48 sheepfolds spreading across Cumbria, with a large number around the Kirkby Stephen and Appleby area.

Now the artist, who formerly lived in the area, has agreed to donate items of his work to a new Andy Goldsworthy Sheepfold Exhibition which is due to open this summer.

Andy said: "Although each fold is an individual piece, the project should be seen as a single work of art."

The sheepfold project was commissioned by Cumbria County Council in 1996 for the UK Year of Visual Arts, but was delayed by the foot-and mouth-outbreak in 2001.

The artist has become a familiar figure around the area, working with school children as part of his work on the sheepfolds. Brough Primary School named their new classroom after the artist, who performed the official opening.

Cumbria county councillor Peter Jackson, portfolio holder for culture, said: "This project has involved many local people, such as landowners, parish councillors and schools, so that the local communities are left with a feeling of ownership of the art which has enriched the county immeasurably."

Students at the Appleby Heritage Centre will rebuild and refurbish a derelict railway carriage which will form the International Exhibition Centre.

Sue Fell of Appleby Alliance said: "People will be able to come and visit the exhibition and understand Andy's work then go out to see the sheepfolds for themselves.

"The exhibition will be a real boost for the economy of the whole area. People will go from the exhibition to Kirkby Stephen and Brough, where there are a number of the sheepfolds close together.

"Andy Goldsworthy is very committed to the exhibition being here in the Upper Eden Valley and it is the intention to have a major launch of the exhibition in June or July-time."

The new Warcop-Appleby rail link will also benefit from the exhibition, creating a scenic and "green" alternative means of getting to the Appleby Heritage Centre site.

April 9, 2003 09:30