The independent panel selecting the design for the new Celtic Cross for the Millennium, to be erected at Saltash, has given the commission to Simon Thomas, an artist with strong local connections.

Simon, 29, now based in Bristol, attended Plymouth college of art. His parents now live in Polruan.

He said after the announcement: 'I still regard this area as my home, so being chosen for this commission is a real dream come true.'

A total of 81 artists from all over the world applied for the commission, and four were shortlisted. Public consultations held in Saltash revealed popular support, evenly split, for three of the designs - including Simon's.

In the event the panel of nine judges, drawn from the community and businesses as well as the arts in Cornwall, were unanimous in selecting Simon's design as offering the best overall package.

Project manager for the cross, Pip Miller, said: 'In addition to offering a strong and durable design, Simon demonstrated a commitment to fabricating the cross locally using local metalworkers.

He also wants to be involved in the community and education programmes that are a very important part of the project.

Since there's a lot of mathematics involved in his design, it should make a very interesting and varied project for the schools. We are hoping to involve schools all over Cornwall in this programme.'

Like the Statue of Liberty the Cross will be made of steel faced with copper. It will weather to the same green finish as the roof of Truro cathedral.

Pip said: 'The design is very rugged and solid at the base, like the early Celtic crosses, but accelerates upwards into the air. It will look terrific with the sky behind it.

'The next stage is to finalise the design and the associated landscaping, and gain planning permission. If all goes well the cross could be welcoming visitors at the gateway to Cornwall by next autumn.'

The 40' high cross will be erected on land donated by Granada close to the Carkeel roundabout at Saltash.