A NORFOLK artist will be given the chance to create a work of art for a new housing development in Swaffham.

A NORFOLK artist will be given the chance to create a work of art for a new housing development in Swaffham.

Abel Homes is inviting artists from the county to apply for a �2,000 commission for a piece of public art to feature in its new housing development at The Hatchery, off Castle Acre Road, where the company is building 63 homes.

The artwork, which will be put in a landscaped area next to a public open space, needs to have a nautical theme to reflect the name of the site's main road - Admiral Wilson Way. The road was named after Swaffham's own Victoria Cross holder, Admiral Sir Arthur Knyvet Wilson.

The commission is part of Abel Homes' on-going public art programme.

Maggie Abel, of Abel Homes, based at Little Cressingham, near Watton, said: 'We are mindful of the fact that we are not just building new houses, but new communities, too. We have pledged to create a piece of art at each new development, something we hope will start to bind the threads of a new community together through sparking conversations and giving a sense of shared ownership.'

Artists interested in applying for the commission should call Abel Homes on 01953 884486 or e-mail maggie.abel@abelhomes.co.uk

The closing date for submitting ideas is July 31 and the artwork will need to be completed by the end of the year.