A giant metal horse is the latest piece of public art to be unveiled in South Ribble.

Put in place under the cover of darkness last week the 15ft high ‘Bobby the Iron Horse’ has been turning heads.

Commissioned by South Ribble Borough Council the sculpture represents Leyland’s proud industrial heritage.

Made out of stainless steel the horse and cart was made by DP Structures in Nelson.

Bobby made his way down the M65 in the pouring rain and was unveiled on Friday (20 October).

Cabinet member for regeneration and leisure councillor Phil Smith said: “He looks magnificent, and locals already seem to have taken a shine to him.

“I’ve had many people get in touch to say how much they love him. In fact, I can’t think of anything we’ve done that has received such positive feedback in such a short space of time.

“We were able to deliver this project thanks to the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal.”

Bobby has already been voted as the best gateway feature by those in Leyland in a Facebook poll – up against the Centurion Tank, Norma the Fire Engine and William the Vintage Tractor.

Read more: Centurion Tank goes up in the air as it moves to new position

He is sitting on a patch of land just off the roundabout connecting Schleswig Way and Longmeanygate.

Fabricator Dave Palmer has put Bobby together over the last three months.

He said: “Bobby is the biggest and best piece I’ve ever done for South Ribble.

“He was made using stainless steel, COR-TEN and brass, with horse shoes inside. He was so tall that we had to add the mane and ears on-site otherwise he wouldn’t have fit under the motorway bridges!”

The creation of Bobby was supported by C&W Berry and Ulnes Walton Bridleways Association.

What do you think of Bobby? Let us know in the comments below