Five artists have been shortlisted to create a £2m landmark 50-metre statue to rival Antony Gormley's 'Angel of the North'.

The Ebbsfleet Landmark Project Commission was announced in May of last year. It will also include the new Ebbsfleet International station and the planned transformation of the Ebbsfleet Valley.

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Among the artists shortlisted to design the sculpture, which will be more than double the height of the 'Angel of the North', is Turner Prize winner Mark Wallinger.

He is featured in the list alongside French artist Daniel Buren, former Turner Prize winners Rachel Whiteread, Richard Deacon as well as sculptor Christopher Le Brun.

Eurostar, London & Continental Railways and Land Securtities will cover the costs of the statue, which will be built within the new Ebbsfleet International station, opened today by Dame Kelly Holmes.

The sculpture is expected to be completed on a site adjacent to the A2 by 2010.

(JM)