It is five metres tall and will gaze wistfully out to sea. The statue, entitled Couple, will stand astride a massive breakwater - part of an £11 million sea defence system for the village of Newbiggin in Northumberland.

And it is hoped the statue won't just protect the shore but will turn a once-popular seaside resort back into a tourist destination.

Sean Henry is 42. He trained as a ceramicist and worked up to being a sculptor. His studio is full of 'people'. He's sculpted himself, and his father.

For his latest commission he had to use marine paint - usually used for ocean liners.

Since Henry received the commission two or three years ago, the couple have gradually been scaled up: from lifesize to slightly larger than life to fully fledged 5 foot tall sculptures.

Henry says the couple are based on a real life couple he met. But he will not reveal who they are.

On the beach we will be offered a rear view; they will look out to sea, as will we.

Watch the report here.