A NEW Kes sculpture has been unveiled just a stone’s throw away from Barry Hines’ former home in Hoyland Common.

The sculpture of Billy Casper and his kestrel, Kes, was installed on Hoyland Road earlier this week.

The two-metre-high piece of artwork was unveiled by children from Kirk Balk High School after being designed by local artist Patrick Murphy.

Patrick has played an integral part in the ongoing tributes to Barry Hines’ work, including producing a huge land installation titled ‘Kes50’ for the Tour de Yorkshire in 2018.

The school have also been gifted the original maquette - a smaller piece version of the sculpture - and will put it on display.

It’s the second Kes sculpture in the town, after the Kes Group unveiled theirs in the town centre in 2022 - though the two projects are not aligned.

Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “The poignant story of Kes and Billy Casper is known the world over thanks to the wonderful writing of Barry Hines.

“We were pleased to unveil the sculpture of the two friends in Barnsley town centre in 2022, but it is only fitting that they are also formally remembered close to where Barry lived.

“This is a fantastic new addition to Hoyland Common, and I hope people will be inspired and proud when they see it.”