DIVING IN: Sculptor Johnny White with his Piked Diver.

A SHINY steel sculpture resembling a giant diver has taken centre stage above the entrance to Southampton's new multi-million pound swimming centre.

The 12ft figure, which forms part of the building's signwork, shows a figure in a classic "piked" diving position ready to plunge into steel waves.

But eagle-eyed bathers to The Quays - the Eddie Read Swimming and Diving Complex - will spot the artwork is a mesh of more than 150 individual fish shapes.

It was the brainchild of Yorkshire sculptor Johnny White who spent ten weeks crafting the piece, which features around 40 pike in pursuit of perch and graylings.

"I hope people will stop and enjoy the sculpture before they go for a swim," he said.

As well as offering a range of swimming and health and fitness facilitiest, The Quays is also the South's principal centre for competitive diving.

Swimmers will have to wait until June 17 when the £10 million complex opens.

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