A NEW sculpture to mark the end of the centenary of the First World War will be unveiled at Cirencester's New Brewery Arts centre this Saturday.

Residents, local businesses and notable figures in the town will gather to witness the unveiling of the piece of art, which has been affixed to the front of the NBA building in the centre of Cirencester.

The sculpture, called the Feathered Aviator, is of a permanent wire flock of homing pigeons carrying the names of the schools and groups who participated in this year's centenary project Cirencester Commemorates.

It was made possible thanks to a project funded by a £34,700 grant from Heritage Lottery Fund, which was given to the people of Cirencester to understand the heritage of the First World War and explore what it means to the town today.

Throughout 2014 Cirencester Commemorates hosted events, concerts and workshops for the people of the town, allowing them to mark the milestone year.

The unveiling of the sculpture, designed by Celia Smith, is a culmination of the year long programme and staff hope it will provide a legacy for many years.

Hannah Brady, who was part of the team organising the memorial on behalf of NBA, said she thinks it is a wonderful opportunity for the town.

"We should be very grateful to be rewarded with such a beautiful permanent memorial," she said. "Our yearlong efforts have touched hundreds of people in the local community and this memorial will be a constant reminder of everything we have learnt together."

See next week's Standard for photos of the unveiling.