AN ABSTRACT sculpture intended to encourage youngsters to “Aim Higher” has been unveiled in Wirral’s flagship park.

The statue – which is called High Hopes – stands 12 ft tall and shows a woman raising a child into the air.

The artwork was created by local artist Paul Bearman – who teaches part time at Wirral Metropolitan College – with the help of local schoolchildren.

The artwork, made of steel, has been more than two years in creation, and was inspired by the “Aim Higher” initiative to help young people who would not expect to enter higher education to get into university.

Prof Robert Lee, of the Friends of Birkenhead Park, said he hoped the sculpture – next to the park’s pavilion – would lead to more public art in the park, which was officially re-opened two years ago, after an £11.25m facelift.

Mr Bearman said the sculpture had been created following workshops with local children who helped create models depicting the final work.

He said: “It was the children’s contribution which led to the final idea.”