AN iron sculpture of an oak tree has been unveiled at a Cradley Heath school by world renowned Black Country artist Luke Perry.

The tree was commissioned to celebrate Timbertree Primary School becoming the first primary in the borough to become an academy.

The sculpturer said: "I am really pleased with as it looks like an oak tree, we studied trees a lot to make sure we got it right.

"The school was wonderful giving me so much freedom with this sculpture and it was great having all the children involved throughout the process."

The metal leaves on the tree has been inscribed with the signatures of every pupil and member of staff.

He added: "We have designed it so the tree can grow for another ten years and have another 100 leaves added."

School governor Cradley Heath and Old Hill Councillor John Tipper said: "The tree is an exciting piece of public art for a start, but more importantly I know the kids of the Timbertree had great fun stamping themselves into immortality."

Headteacher Hayley Walker said: “The school has undergone a tremendous journey over the past five years and we are now aiming to turn our ‘good’ school into an ‘outstanding’ one.

“We know how challenging this journey is but, with the effort and commitment of everyone at the school, we are determined to ensure we are able to achieve it.”

The school was formerly federated with Congreaves primary, but they are now operating as two separate schools with their own headteacher and governoring body, under the umbrella of United Learning - a group of academies and independent schools.