A 26FT-TALL wicker figure towered over shoppers and tourists in the centre of Oxford this weekend.

The ‘ice maiden’ sculpture – which was designed by Wallingford schoolboy Joshua Webb, seven – made its city debut in Broad Street.

It was built using oak offcuts by Fyfield Wick artist Dan Barton and will go up in flames at the Oxford Round Table bonfire night in South Park, Headington, on Saturday, November 7.

Pictured with the model are Mr Barton’s sons Josh, 11, left, and Luke, eight, right, with Niamh Priest, nine, daughter of the organiser of the Round Table bonfire, Jason Priest.

Mr Barton’s wife Janette said: “People have just been bowled over by it.

“People were stopping and staring.”

The annual South Park fireworks display is expected to attract more than 15,000 people with the profits donated to charities including Respite Nursing for Oxfordshire’s Sick Youngsters (Rosy).

See Tuesday's Oxford Mail for a round-up of firework displays across the county.