A GRANT of more than £30,000 has been awarded to New Brewery Arts in Cirencester to create a memorial marking the centenary of the First World War.

Having received £34,700 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the arts centre has revealed plans to produce a barbed wire sculpture that will act as a permanent reminder of the conflict.

New Brewery Arts is working in partnership with the Corinium Museum, Cirencester Parish Church and the Cirencester Archaeological and Historical Society for a wide-ranging commemoration of the war throughout 2014.

Annie Gould, business development manager for New Brewery Arts, said: “This funding will enable so many truly memorable experiences for Cirencester during this centenary year while leaving a legacy for the town into the future.”

Celebrated sculptor Celia Smith has been commissioned to produce the wire sculpture, called the Feathered Aviator after the homing pigeons that were used to carry messages to and from the trenches.

Annie said: “We are absolutely delighted that the partnership’s commitment, expertise and vision has been recognised. We are really excited to create the Feathered Aviator for Cirencester.”

Other events to be put on in Cirencester to mark the centenary include a silent film screening of First World War movies and an exhibition at the Corinium Museum on how the war impacted on Cirencester.

The Feathered Aviator sculpture will be on display at the centre between July and September before being installed permanently.

For more details, visit www.newbreweryarts.org.uk.