ATHERTON Environmental Projects (AEP) has replaced the willow-weaved sculpture that was deliberately destroyed by arsonists with a temporary garden feature.

The area at Blue Bell Boundary Gardens which welcomes visitors to Atherton is the centrepiece of the town's community category entry for the North West in Bloom competition.

A temporary feature was required as there is not enough time to have the sculpture of a woman and child collecting flowers in a basket replaced before the entries are judged next month.

AEP has set up a fundraising page to help fund a replacement sculpture.

It will cost £625 and £300 has already been raised by residents.

The original sculpture was set alight on June 10.

To donate visit gofundme.com/28vdwfw.