A huge steel angler with a rod in his hand and a dog at his side will gaze down on cyclists near York after his creation was given the go-ahead by councillors.

The Fisher of Dreams sculpture, made of welded steel bars and measuring four metres high, will perch on the girders of the Naburn swing bridge over the River Ouse.

It will be the latest addition to the Sustrans cycle link between York and Selby.

The design, which is the work of local artist Pete Rogers, was the popular choice from a selection put before the public.

But not everyone was in favour of the angler, who boasts a 4.5 metre rod and two metre high dog.

Acaster Malbis Parish Council wanted something that highlighted the bridge's history, and Councillor John Galvin told yesterday's planning meeting that while he had nothing against the sculpture itself, it was "totally inappropriate" for the location.

Coun Galvin, who was the only member to vote against the sculpture, said: "It will look unbelievably appalling stuck on top of the bridge.

"It will be intrusive on the skyline and totally out of character with the area."

Updated: 08:45 Friday, April 20, 2001