A Norfolk family is to be immortalised in The Walks, King's Lynn, as a sculpture is unveiled to mark the first of a series of cycle routes to be set up there.

The artwork, commissioned by the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, was undertaken by Bungay artist Mark Goldsworthy and features the Suiter family from Ingoldisthorpe enjoying a stroll, with the father, Tim, giving his daughter, Matilda, a piggyback and the mother, Becky, swinging her daughter, Josie.

The Suiter family was chosen to model for the sculpture back in 2009 when Mr Goldsworthy was originally commissioned to create this piece of public art. He felt that using a real family would bring life and vibrancy to sculpture and give it special meaning to people in King's Lynn.

Mr Goldsworthy said: 'Public parks are all about being able to go for a walk with the family, letting off steam and having fun. This sculpture captures a family doing just that, and I hope it will encourage others to really enjoy this beautiful park.'

The sculpture is more than nine feet tall and is made of oak. It was commissioned in 2008, with a funding allocation of �5,000 as part of the Heritage Lottery Fund bid.

Additional funding was provided by Dow Chemicals to mark the company's 50th anniversary in 2007.

Borough council cabinet member, Elizabeth Nockolds, a keen cyclist, said: 'The sculpture is a really strong visual representation of what we hope people will do in The Walks – laugh, have fun with family and friends and really enjoy this historic green space.'

The sculpture is located to mark National Cycle Route Number 1 as it passes through The Walks. This is the first in a series of cycle routes set up by Sustrans, a charity which supports sustainable transport. Mrs Suiter said: 'We were more than happy to be the family used.'

david.blackmore@archant.co.uk