A GIANT bumble bee artwork which ‘hovers’ over an Ellesmere beauty spot has been joined by a host of other large insects – thanks to the creative skills of students at the town’s Lakelands Academy.

The ‘Lone Bee’ sculpture was recently reinstalled in Cremorne Gardens, alongside the Mere, after being given a complete makeover by artist Caroline Lowe.

Now four students from the school’s Kettlemere Centre have used recycled materials woven through chicken wire to produce their own artistic creations for visitors to find among the plants and wildflowers which form part of the ‘bee metropolis’ – a wildlife haven specially designed to help endangered solitary bees to thrive.

Art psycho-therapist Alison Evans, who works with the students, said they had been encouraged to develop the idea after seeing sculptures made from recycled materials during a visit to Chester Zoo.

“Inspired by the sort of insects that you might see around Ellesmere, the students added their own creative twist to produce enlarged versions of an ant, a butterfly, dragon, moth, ladybird and a spider,” she said.

“We then contacted the Ellesmere Sculpture Initiative and suggested that the insects could keep the ‘Lone Bee’ company.

“Being involved in a project such as this has enabled the students to learn new skills and help develop their social interaction and communication skills.

"They have evolved their ideas, collaborated and supported each other and created unique pieces of artwork that they can be proud of.

“It was great to have the support of the Ellesmere sculpture Initiative and we hope to work together on further projects.”