Strictly's Amy Dowden unveils mini statue of herself in hometown

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden has unveiled a new work of art in her hometown that includes a miniature figure of herself.

She joined artist Sebastien Boyesen to unveil the bronze 3D map sculpture in Caerphilly as part of a wider project to regenerate Dafydd Williams Park.

Dowden appears on the structure alongside other local heroes including Aaron Ramsey and Tommy Cooper.

The dancer said she was "honoured" to feature alongside cultural and historical figures connected to a town that holds a "special place" in her heart.

Before the unveiling Dowden was treated to a performance from the students at Shappelle's dance school, where she attended as a child.

She said: "I often visited Dafydd Williams Park as a little girl, and I can't wait to see the work that has gone into ensuring it remains a focal point of the town for generations to come."

Caerphilly council also launched its Trail of Tales attraction - a virtual town tour using figures from Caerphilly as stops on the trail.

Florist Nicola Downie dressed her shop window with Dowden's face as part of the plans.

As a huge fan of Strictly, she made a special floral arrangement to welcome the dancer "back home".

She added: "When I found out Amy Dowden was one of the characters involved, I just knew her face had to be on my shop."

Downie said she was "honoured" to be part of the project and hoped it would "improve the look and feel of the town".

Other art installations will guide residents and visitors through the park and to the structure, which has been named the town's Relief Map.

It is part of a 15-year transformation project for Caerphilly that wants to create a greener, livelier and better-connected town centre, according to the council.

Boyesen is also the artist behind Abertillery's 'Guardian' - a 20m (66 ft) statue built to commemorate the 45 men killed during a gas explosion in 1960.