THE ARTIST behind Barry Island's colourful new feature has talked about his inspiration in bringing a 40ft long climbing wall to the seafront.

The piece, by award winning artist Gordon Young, is a huge typographic traversing wall made up of thousands of plastic shapes spelling out Barry Island in English and Welsh.

Gordon, who has created public pieces of art for Blackpool seafront, the MK Dons stadium and Bristol Brunel Academy among many others, has created not just a practical climbing wall but also a piece littered with pieces of Barry's history.

Hidden among the brightly coloured beach paraphernalia, fossils, dinosaurs and toys are words that each relate to an aspect of Barry's history - whether that is references to local dance band The Strollers or the name of famed WW2 ship the Tafelberg.

The words are not only visible from the beach front but also to anyone flying in to Cardiff International Airport, Rhoose.

"I just decided to do something in an entirely different way," said Gordon. "I decided that I would use text and the idea was to have a lot of colour, which I understand now I've got know the place."

The Barry Island Historical Group, and Mike Heffernan in particular, also played a big role in helping Gordon out with information about the town's history.

"We just talked about the town and they drew my attention to what kind of aspects of Barry could be featured," Gordon said.

"I heard about the Toy Factory, which was a big toy shop on the sea front that sold buckets and spades, so that's where the idea for the plastic toy shapes came from."

As well as being made entirely from recycled plastic, the pieces also make up a simple climbing wall for children. With the help of local climber Rob Langley, Gordon also put together a much harder route, made up of grey pieces for serious climbers.

The wall which will opening as part of the whole regeneration of Barry Island's Eastern Promenade has already been receiving praise from across the design world, with magazines and blogs featuring the piece.

Gordon said: "It's a dead simple job but the interest I've had has been amazing. I'm really pleased with how it has worked out."

Councillor Lis Burnett, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “We are looking forward to people in the Vale and visiting tourists being able to enjoy the brilliant new features around the island, especially Gordon’s climbing wall.

“We are currently undertaking final checks on the contractors’ work, after which everyone will be able to enjoy the sights and lights of the newly regenerated Barry Island.”