A STATUE honouring Gwent's Chartists was unveiled in Blackwood.
The 26ft tall monument stands on the Chartist Bridge on the Sirhowy Enterprise Way, and shows a protester striding towards Newport.
The sculpture is made from thousands of steel rings creating a 'mesh' figure - symbolising the Chartist principle of binding together and strength in unity.
In 1839, 22 chartists lost their lives protesting for basic rights outside the Westgate Hotel in Newport.
Caerphilly Council Cabinet Member for Transportation and Planning, Councillor Rob Gough, said: "We are delighted with the finished artwork and feel it provides a fitting tribute to the people who lost their lives for freedom and democracy."
He added: "The area has strong links to the Chartist movement and this latest development is another boost to the town centre and will help raise the profile of Blackwood as being an exciting and dynamic town with a proud past and a bright future."
The council commissioned Sebastian Boyesen to design the £33,000 piece and funding came from road contractors Sirhowy Enterprise Way Ltd, Arts and Business Cymru, Capita Symonds and Arup.
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