AN ENGINEER has created a stunning 3D model of the Malvern Hills.

Steve Davies used one of the machine tools at Intime Engineering in Ledbury, where he works, to create the sculpture.

The machine uses lots of small cutters to carve out the landscape in intricate detail.

Mr Davies used map data to craft the contours onto the piece of aluminium to accurately recreate the topography of the landscape.

Mr Davies, 45, said the project had been on his mind for a long time: “It is something I have always fancied doing and always wondered if it could be done.

“I managed to find a company in Ledbury who could supply the data which I put into the machine to make the model."

Mr Davies added: “I’m lucky to have a very understanding boss who allowed me to do it while I had some free time at work.”

Creating the sculpture, which is 700mm long and 150mm wide, took around 10 hours and Mr Davies said he breathed a hefty sigh of relief when it was finished without any mistakes.

The sculpture has not been painted and Steve says this is because it has a natural beauty to it in its current state.

“I won’t be painting it because I think that, as it is now, there is a certain beauty to it," he told the Gazette.

“If I painted it to match the landscape it would lose the intricate detail which has gone into it.”

Mr Davies says he hopes the sculpture will go on display in Malvern Theatre and that local people and visitors will find it interesting to look at.

He said: “I know someone from the theatre who has enquired about getting it put on display. It is mounted on a wooden board and looks really nice and I think people will really enjoy looking at it artistically.”

For updates on the display plans, see malverngazette.co.uk