A PYRAMID described as "the most exciting construction project in modern history" could be built in the Leeds area.

The project, which has gained the support of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Paralympian David Stone, is the dream of Horsforth fencing contractor Steve Ward.

He hopes to generate billions of pounds for peace and environmental projects and to solve the 4,500 year mystery of how the Egyptian pyramids were built. His creation will also house time capsules which will be sealed inside, to be opened in 1,000 years.

He had been planning to build the Earth Pyramid on the edge of a new city outside Kuala Lumpur. But while the project's education centre is already up and running in Malaysia the pyramid itself may now be built in the Leeds area.

Steve revealed that initial discussions had been held with Leeds City Council and that potential sites such as old coal fields or quarries were being looked at. He is also planning to apply for lottery funding for the scheme which he believes could be as big as Cornwall's Eden Project.

"I think the North of England needs something like this - it needs an Eden Project," he said.

"People want to take their kids to something educational."

He said every child in the world would get the chance to place something inside the pyramid to be seen again by future generations 1,000 years from now.

The 50-metre Earth Pyramid is being touted as "the first attempt to replicate a large scale pyramid, built by hand in recent times."

A website set up to promote the scheme says: "The Earth Pyramid started back in 2009 and over the past eight years we have gathered together an amazing team of world leading experts who can deliver this once in a lifetime project.

"There can't be many building projects that have the support of two Nobel Peace laureates and 19 governments from across the planet, but we do.

"And we have this support because the Earth Pyramid will be much more than just a huge piece of art, sculpture, building or monument.

"It will create a positive platform that will get us looking at the future of our planet and the many peace, environmental and humanitarian issues the world is facing at this point in history."

The public are being invited to support the scheme by pledging funds - with rewards offered for different levels of funding. For £50 supporters will be able to have their selfies stored in the pyramid. For £100 they will be able to tell their own stories, with pictures, words and even videos.