TREES cut down during building work will be used to make the town centre more attractive.

Wood felled at the site of the Wharf Green project will be recycled into works of art.

Trees had to be moved to make way for the giant BBC Screen, but rather than letting them go to waste, developers the New Swindon company have roped in local artists Bill Cox, Gordon Dickinson, Tim Carroll and world renowned mural painter Ken White to create something beautiful from the logs.

Peter James, chief executive of the New Swindon Company, said: "The idea of transforming these trees into art is a fantastic idea," he said.

"It's a real sign of the community spirit in Swindon that people want to help. I can't wait to see the exhibition."

Swindon Council leader Roderick Bluh said: "These artists have come up with a really imaginative way to use wood - they are leading the recycling agenda in the area and supporting regeneration at the same time. It's great to see."

The huge log pile is being stored at Lower Shaw Farm until the artists decide what how to put them to the best use and the finished product will be displayed in a public place later in the year.

The Wharf Green redevelopment is set to cost £2.8m and will see new seats, paving and improved lighting. There will also be a 35sq metre giant screen in the centre to relay national news and sporting events, which will be the only one of its kind in the south of England.

It is the first part of the town centre redevelopment.