FIVE dashing dreamboats are welcoming visitors to Pontypool, as the first of a series of roundabout sculptures takes shape.

'Dreamboats' - featuring a quintet of steel boats - was produced by local firm Panteg Fabrications.

It was erected on the large traffic roundabout on the A472 at the entrance to the town and forms part of Torfaen council's Gateways to Pontypool initiative to transform the area and attract more trade and tourism. Two further sculptures will follow on the other roundabouts to the town centre.

On the one immediately next to 'Dreamboats' will be a granite and Welsh slate piece called Beacon, which is being constructed this week.

The Riverside roundabout will have another granite and slate creation - with a touch of metal in addition - depicting the mining industry and entitled Tower.

The artworks were designed by local youngsters, who worked with artist Robert Kennedy to come up with art that reflected their dreams, aspirations and thoughts of Pontypool.

Their words and designs have been sandblasted into the final pieces, which carry the theme of the town's past, present and future.

Andrew Osborne, team leader for countryside and projects at Torfaen council, said: "Pontypool youngsters have assisted the artist throughout this project. It is very much their ideas that have inspired these three pieces of artwork.

"They will create a very striking image as visitors enter the town and encourage both locals and visitors to investigate the history of Pontypool and how this is represented by the artwork." *PICTURED: Artist Robert Kennedy with part of his roundabout sculpture