A SCULPTURE designed by a Royston teenager this week took centre stage in the �400,000 redevelopment of Fish Hill Square.

Vicki Chapman’s design impressed the judges of a competition between Meridian School students to design the centrepiece of the revamped square earlier this year.

The 15ft metal sculpture was installed over the weekend, and was opened with a special event on Monday.

“It’s really good. I’m impressed, I entered on a whim and I wasn’t expecting to win,” said upper sixth student Vicki, 18.

“Most people spend years trying to do something like this, and entering a competition to do it is amazing.”

She was so happy with the end result she forgave an error which saw her name misspelled as Vicky on a plaque in the centre of the sculpture.

A spokesman for North Herts District Council, which is overseeing the works, and organised the competition with architects BDP, apologised for the error, and said they would amend the plaque.

David Scholes, NHDC’s strategic director of planning, said: “Ever since we met Vicki we have referred to her as ‘Vicky’ – we now understand this was a mistake that was not pointed out until after the plaque was put in place.

“We’ll be speaking to her and to the contractors to resolve the situation. The most important thing for now, I think, is that the sculpture she designed for the town is looking great!”

The opening ceremony was attended by Vicki’s peers, and members of the judging panel who voted for the teenager’s design.

Professional sculptor and contest judge Paul Bainbridge said: “I’m impressed, I think that having it as one of the centre pieces is a good idea and they have developed it nicely.

“There’s something there that shows promise, and lets see what happens in the next few years – this will be good on her CV.

The town’s mayor was also among those at the opening, and said he was very impressed with the final result.

Cllr Robert Inwood said: “I think it is a positive thing for the town and it’s fantastic.

“I think it’s a mix between the old aspects of Royston combined with the new part of the square.”

Several spotlights have been installed at the base of the sculpture to illuminate it at night, and shine through several designs cut into the metal.

The development of Fish Hill Square is on schedule and is expected to be finished by November 19.