THE UK's leading sculptors will come together for a major new exhibition in Dorset this spring.

The Sculpture Exhibition will take place in April and May at Sculpture by the Lakes near Dorchester and will feature 200 pieces of indoor and outdoor sculptures, making it one of the biggest sculpture exhibitions in the UK.

The event will be installed across the park's 26-acres of lakes, rivers, gardens and woodlands.

More than 14,000 visitors are expected to flock to the event where guests will be able to purchase the exhibits, which will range in price from £1,000 to £300,000.

The event has been curated by Simon Gudgeon, the owner and co-founder of Sculpture by the Lakes.

He said: "The way sculpture interacts with its environment, changing with the light, the weather, the seasons, means that where you experience it is vitally important.

"Putting large scale sculptures in a museum or gallery diminishes their power, but in a beautiful, natural environment that power is restored and they come alive.

"That was one of the reasons I started Sculpture by the Lakes many years ago, and why I amj putting this event together now.

"This is something I have been thinking about for years now, and I am thrilled to be seeing it come to fruition. It is a rare and special opportunity for sculpture lovers to see and enjoy the works of some of the best sculptors from across the UK together in one place for the first time.

"It is going to be truly spectacular."

Head gardener and co-founder Monique Gudgeon said: "As our many visitors have told us over the years, visiting Sculpture by the Lakes is as much about the gardens and the beauty of this setting as it is about the sculptures.

"The two go hand in hand - I have designed this landscape to best showcase the sculpture, just as Simon has been inspired by this setting in the work he has produced.

"So it seemed right that a gardening event would sit very well alongside a sculpture exhibition here – reflecting our twin passions and celebrating everything that makes Sculpture by the Lakes so special."

For more information, visit www.sculpturebythelakes.co.uk/Form