AN OTLEY artist is working flat out on his biggest creation so far – a nature-inspired Totem Pole that will be seen by millions.

Sculptor and teacher, Shane Green, is creating the larger-than-life artwork from a tree in the grounds of Canal Gardens at Roundhay Park, Leeds.

Taking his inspiration from the nearby Tropical World, which attracts more than one million visitors a year, Shane has covered the sculpture with animal shapes and faces.

He was commissioned to do the work by the Friends of Roundhay Park and has been dedicating his weekends and evenings to the project.

Now busy putting the final touches to the piece, he said: "The Friends asked me to do this after seeing some of my other work around Yorkshire.

"I designed the tall totem pole based on Tropical World's animals and creatures, and I've made it so large so that it gives a sense of wonder and magic to children and adults alike.

"It is by far my largest sculpture, and I am proud it is sited in the splendid environment of Canal Gardens and Roundhay Park."

Spiders, butterflies and meerkats are among the symbols that can be seen on the totem pole so far.

Shane is particularly renowned for his artistic skill with a chainsaw, and has created many outdoor sculptures that can be spotted at popular destinations around Yorkshire and beyond.

In his hometown of Otley, many of his works can be spotted on the Chevin Forest Park, where they form part of a heritage trail.

Looking forward to completing his Canal Gardens work, he added: "The scaffolding – all five floors of it – will all be down on June 1, and then it will be unveiled fully to the public's eyes.

"I will be carving away at it with my chainsaws every weekend before then from 9pm to 5pm, and some week nights, too, after a day at school!"

In 2014 the artist, head of art and design at Prince Henry's Grammar School, created a 9ft-long stone sculpture to welcome the Tour de France's riders, along with two big murals for the race.

Before that, at the London 2012 Olympic Games, he made 17 permanent wooden sculptures – inspired by different sports – that were installed around the capital.

His other prominent works include a stone sculpture in Wharfemeadows Park, showing the famous Wharfedale Press printing machine, and a 35ft-high wooden work, The Calverley Angel.