A 20-metre Cornish Cross has been lifted into place alongside the Tamar Bridge at Saltash.

After a 128-mile trip on a low loader from Newquay via Exeter, a 100-tonne crane lifted the cross off the lorry and an 80-tonne crane was used to guide it into position.

The sculpture was designed by Cornish artist Simon Thomas, from Lerryn.

Simon said: 'The sculpture not only represents a proud Cornish heritage, but also the Cornwall of today which is an exciting and vibrant place, open to new ideas and celebrating its uniqueness. The Cornish Cross truly marks the Gateway to Cornwall, inviting visitors and welcoming travellers home.'

Project spokesman and Saltash Waterfront Residents' Association chairman Liam Bradley said: 'It has taken three years to get the cross in place and it looks remarkable. Simon's vision has created a stunning piece of public art that will stand as a monument to Cornwall for years to come.'

The spars are made from aerospace and boat-building composite materials of glass fibre and carbon fibre, while the head has been built from Cornish metals.

Project manager Duncan Healey, of Gateguards, the company in charge of construction, said: 'This has been an incredible project. Over 6,000 individual geometric pieces have been made to create the structure, with no two blocks identical.'