A WOODCARVER is hoping to bring inspiration to local schoolchildren through an installation celebrating the best of Hull.
Allen Stichler, 44, aims to create a Sculpture Trail in Hull's East Park.
The trail, which he intends to have in place by the summer, will celebrate the lives of successful people from Hull with a series of wood-carvings.
"I work with local schools in the area through the workshops I do with the children," Mr Stichler said.
"You pick up quite quickly who they look up to and who they are inspired by.
"It became apparent quickly that a lot do not know about this vast array of Hull people who should be celebrated.
"Children should hope to aspire to be like them, and that is why we hope the sculpture trail will be a success."
Mr Stichler said there will be ten oak posts in the park, each depicting symbols or clues relating to a person from Hull who has not garnered the recognition they deserve in the region.
They will include figures such as "Battling" Barbara Buttrick, the female world boxing champion from the 1940s, and Ebenezer Morley, the founder of the FA who is regarded as the father of modern football.
"Each slab will have a clue on referring to each person," said Mr Stichler.
"These are all people who are from this area but have not been as recognised as much as they should be.
"We want to celebrate our city and tie it in with UK City of Culture 2017, so that it will be something the whole community can enjoy."
Mr Stichler said they need more funding to make the project a reality.
He said: "We are on the way to getting that funding.
"We have had some great responses, with some local businesses already sponsoring a couple of the posts.
"I would really like it to be funded by the people of Hull. I just want it to be something that everybody from the are can celebrate."
Ten schools from the East Park area will also be involved in the project.
Each will also create their own totem-style sculpture for their school grounds in workshops taught by Mr Stichler.
"The workshops a really good thing to do," he said.
"It is something completely different and quite relaxing as well.
"The children love the hammering and chiselling, and it is something unlike anything they do in school at the moment."
Mr Stichler, who only took up woodcarving six years ago after being made redundant, said he hoped the children took pride in the project.
"I hope they see they can aspire to be like people beyond everyday celebrities," he said.
"And hopefully my story might inspire them a bit as well."
Visit www.stichler.co.uk for more information and funding details.
• Flashback pictures: Memories of East Park, from the lido to the rocks
