AN eye-catching snake sculpture could be placed in a popular Worcester park to salute 70 years of the NHS.

This artists' impression shows what the six-foot tall piece of art will look like if it gets the go-ahead at Cripplegate Park.

Local artist Victoria Harrison has come up with the design for the steel sculpture, which will cost £4,500 of taxpayers' money and feature mosaic panels.

The idea has come from Councillor Richard Udall, who says it will represent "a thank you from the people of Worcestershire" to workers like nurses and doctors.

The NHS Act was passed in 1946 with the service launched in 1948, meaning next year will mark seven decades.

In Greek mythology snakes were used in healing rituals, which is why it features on the statue.

It is already used as a symbol within the NHS and is known as the 'Staff of Asclepius'.

Ms Harrison, who is based in Malvern, said: "I've done some research on the logo, which is used as a symbol within the British NHS.

"The Staff of Asclepius with one serpent entwined around the rod is associated with healing and medicine.

"The connection with the serpent is that in Greek mythology non-venomous snakes were used in healing rituals and crawled around freely in dormitories where the sick and injured slept.

"My thoughts were to use this traditional logo which has endured throughout the 70 years and give it a sculptural revival."

Cllr Udall said: "The is used daily by most of us, we all contribute towards the cost of the service and according to our needs we all benefit, free at the point of delivery.

"It's difficult for those of us who were born after its formation to understand just what it was like before the NHS - those who do know value it even more.

"I believe the sculpture will look stunning in Cripplegate Park and will serve as a lasting tribute to all those who have dedicated their working lives to helping others."

He is drawing £4,500 from his yearly £10,000 Worcestershire County Council divisional fund to pay for it.

The sculpture is expected to be commissioned in time to have it installed by the summer.

Last year a nine-foot tall poppy sculpture was placed in the park commemorating members of the Worcestershire Yeomanry who were killed during the First World War.