A LARGE sculpture of buzzards could tower above Great Malvern if an idea to transform Rose Bank Gardens comes to fruition.

Peter Smith, artistic director of the Autumn in Malvern Festival, would like to see the neglected gardens transformed to catch the eye of town centre visitors.

He believes the land should be gifted to the National Trust, which could re-design, restore and maintain the gardens. Malvern Hills District Council could provide an annual maintenance grant.

"I'm trying to create a forum whereby MHDC, Malvern Hills Conservators and possibly the National Trust collaborate in creating something special and of great value to Malvern," said Mr Smith.

The gardens could become a starting point for walks on the Hills via the 99 Steps or the path through them.

Ideas include building a pavilion with information about the geology, flora and flora of the Hills, and creating a sculpture park as a magnet for tourists.

Walenty Pytel, who created giant swan sculptures for the riverside at Ross-on-Wye, could be asked to provide the first sculpture - a pair of buzzards, birds of prey associated with the Hills.

Rose Bank House and Gardens were given to the people of Malvern by Dyson Perrins, owner of Lea and Perrins Worcestershire Sauce, who lived at Davenham in Graham Road.

The Regency house fell into ruin during the 1950s and was eventually demolished on safety grounds.

Mr Smith said the gardens were still neglected and had become overgrown with shrubs and trees, in comparison to the original gardens.

"As a native of Malvern I feel it is time for us to acknowledge and respect the generous gift given to the people of Malvern by Mr Dyson Perrins," he said.

The Conservators will discuss the idea at a meeting on Thursday.