SWINDON may get its own Angel of the North in the form of a new chalk carving in the hills along the M4 corridor.

Dubbed the Shrub of the South, it would be in the shape of the borough's logo, a tree incorporating the letter S.

The idea has been dreamed up by a group of historians who believe Swindon needs a boost following its failure to win city status.

The Angel of the North has become a landmark in the North East and is seen by thousands of motorists every day passing on the nearby A1.

It has been become a symbol of hope and regeneration for an area dogged by unemployment.

The historians, members of the Wiltshire Chalk Carving Society, say something similarly ambitious should be created for Swindon to coincide with the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

They want permission to take to the hills alongside the M4 to the east of Swindon, at the edge of the borough's boundary, using spades and several tonnes of chalk to create a traditional carving that would become one of Britain's most recognised landmarks. Society spokesman, Daniel Dickenson, 42, of Gorse Hill, said: "I have lived in Swindon all my life and I don't think we do enough to promote ourselves.

"I want something that will hit drivers between the eyes something that will really draw their attention away from the boredom of driving on the M4.

"We want motorists to automatically look when they are travelling out of Swindon.

"We are mostly into white horses, but in this case we think the Swindon Shrub will look great.

"People will hear the name Swindon and immediately think of the Shrub."

The cost of the Shrub of the South project will be around £10,000, but the organisers hope to keep down labour charges by getting the people of Swindon involved.

They want permission for volunteers to park their cars on the hard shoulder of the M4 to gain access to the hill during construction.

"It can be a really good community event," said Daniel. "People can bring a bucket and spade with them and we will direct them to the part of the hill where they can get on and dig."

The group is now applying for National Lottery funding to carry out the giant artwork.

They have submitted their application under the title 'Shrub Fit for a Queen'.

Daniel said: "This will be our contribution to the Queen's celebrations, and a dramatic artwork that sums up the pioneering spirit of Swindon."

Swindon Mayor David Cox has backed the innovative idea and has even volunteered to help with the digging.

He said: "As we've failed to win city status, we need something to get our spirits up again and I think this is a brilliant idea.

"I'm happy to volunteer my services to go up there and do a bit of digging myself.

"I've received plenty of letters in recent months asking me what Swindon is going to do to take part in the jubilee celebrations.

"This sounds a perfect way to show we love the Queen."