A SCIENTIST, a rock star and a footballing legend have been immortalised at the entrance to Rhyl’s Pont y Ddraig bridge.

The multi-million pound cycle and foot bridge, which will span the town’s harbour, is set to open next month.

Artwork of Rhyl heroes Sir John Houghton, the Nobel prize winning climate scientist and former Rhyl Grammar School pupil, musician Mike Peters, lead singer of The Alarm, and Rhyl FC’s Don Spendlove, who bagged a record of 629 goals during the 1940s and 50s, have been placed at the gateway to the bridge.

It recognises local figures who have inspired and been chosen for their individual contribution to the life of the community.

Mike Peters, who founded the world’s leading rock and roll cancer foundation Love Hope Strength, said: “It’s great to have been chosen to represent the local community as part of this exciting art project.

"Rhyl promenade is where I grew up and the place I always return to when I come home. We are lucky to live on such a beautiful coastline and it’s great to see positive changes taking place in Rhyl.

“I look forward to the official unveiling of the portrait bench.”

The portraits were chosen following a public consultation in the Rhyl and Kinmel Bay areas where people could put forward their nominations.

They are funded by Sustrans and the Big Lottery Fund as part of the national Connect2 project to reconnect communities.

Glyn Evans, Sustrans area manager, said: “The positioning of the bench and the figures at the gateway to Pont y Ddraig provide a destination at the west end of the promenade whilst also welcoming walkers and cyclists as they head into Rhyl.”