A new piece of artwork has been installed in the pond in Watford town centre to replace the opening offering of a heron made from living plants.

The sculpture called Effervescent Thoughts represents a collection of thought bubbles made from steel rings which appear as though they are emerging from the water.

The Pond Plinth's newest design was created by West Herts College's Dan Morphy and Alan Smallwood, along with fine arts students.  

Effervescent Thoughts has been developed in response to a brief set by Watford Borough Council asking students to create an installation for the plinth that would reflect The Big Events series. 

Monthly to March 2015 the steel bubbles will contain a new set of 'thoughts’ so that the sculpture becomes a platform for showcasing a different piece of work by arts students from the college. 

The first ‘thoughts’ relate to latest event, the Big Draw, with various farmyard animals made by fine arts students who are in the second year of a National Diploma course.   

Elected Mayor Dorothy Thornhill said: "I am delighted with the creative and insightful way that Dan, Alan and the students have responded to our brief.

"They have given Watford a lovely sculpture and I am very grateful to them for their hard work. 

"I am also thrilled that over the coming months the sculpture will be a showcase for more artwork from the talented students at West Herts College, it is wonderful to be able to work with them and their tutors on this exciting project."  

Creator Dan Morphy: "It’s great to have a public platform where we can display the work of our department.

"We’re celebrating the work of our students and it means that the people of Watford can see how much creativity and talent there is in this town."  

The original heron sculpture was a gift from the Borough’s environmental services contractor Veolia.