A TWO-HEADED eagle made by a Princetown based couple is an imposing new addition to a Tavistock hotel.

The wall sculpture, created by Karen and Gordon Green, is the third piece commissioned by Brown?s Hotel and is to celebrate their new status as the region?s only four star hotel and as a way of putting something back into the region and supporting local artists.

The exquisite eagle, with a 7ft wing span, is made of copper and covered in 24 carat gold leaf and red, white and blue enamel.

Karen, who comes from California and trained in America, found her inspiration for the piece in designs depicted on Faberge eggs and in native American work.

She said: ?It?s great working with Brown?s. They have great designs, very specific ideas, things we haven?t done before. It?s exciting to do something different.?

The Greens, who normally produce weather vanes at their Princetown home and whose previous commissions include works for Prince Charles and Hollywood film director Steven Spielberg, are one of the few weather vane makers in the world who still work with the traditional material of copper instead of the more commonly used steel.

Manager Martin Ball said: ?We already had two wonderful weather vanes by the Greens in the window of the bar and this was a follow up.

?The eagle is very striking and adds a focal point. It?s totally attractive in the restaurant when it?s lit by candlelight.

?It?s extremely important to support local artists in the community.?