THIS is the first view of Southampton's controversial £80,000 statue, The Shear.

After years of discussion the stainless steel abstract statue - which has been described as more like a giant cheese grater than a sword - is finally in place in Bevois Valley.

The ten-metre high structure, which was designed by internationally renowned artist Eilis O'Connell, stands at the head of Bevois Valley and the city council hopes it will be a striking landmark for drivers.

Work is still going on to finish the landscaping and the metalwork will be buffed this weekend.

The official unveiling ceremony is next Friday.

Members of the community who have followed the progress of the publicly-funded project from start to finish have been invited to the ceremony.

The Southampton company which built the framework, MJF Precision Engineers will be at the handover as well as the art students from Southampton Institute and Winchester School of Art who wove the panels.

City historian Genevieve Bailey will be a guest of honour as a thank you to her for the historical research.

A city council spokesman said: "The area around the sculpture still has to be landscaped and the metalwork will be buffed in readiness for the ceremony."

The inspiration for the giant sword comes from the legend of Sir Bevis - and he is set to be honoured again with a giant billboard artwork which has also been paid for from regeneration funds.

Original plans for the sculpture meant the sword would be at an angle.

But by the time the design was put before city planners the sword was made to stand upright.

The regeneration executive member Councillor Paul Jenks has always defended this striking piece of public artwork even though the controversial design has been criticised by many in the city.

Money for the project found its way from the government-funded single regeneration budget, which aims to smarten up the Bevois Valley area.