The Bible may advise beating swords into ploughshares - and now a pair of ploughshares have been turned into churchyard art!

Two sculptures by North Walsham artist Berni Marfleet have been unveiled at the town’s central St Nicholas Church. 

North Norfolk News: Berni Marfleet, sculptor, with one of his two ploughshare sculptures at North Walsham.Berni Marfleet, sculptor, with one of his two ploughshare sculptures at North Walsham. (Image: Denise Bradley)READ MORE: Pop-up bookshop and renowned writers - Week-long event planned for town

Mr Marfleet said: “The aim is to provide an entertaining way of learning about the history of the town we live in both for residents, visitors and also for those who will be joining us here in the future especially given the major expansion of the town planned for the next 15 years.

“It is particularly focused at younger people, hopefully giving them a sense of place and belonging to a rich and proud local tradition and heritage and also an opportunity to find out and explore more.”

North Norfolk News: Part of Berni Marfleet's ploughshare sculpture depicting the earlier part of North Walsham's history at St Nicholas ChurchPart of Berni Marfleet's ploughshare sculpture depicting the earlier part of North Walsham's history at St Nicholas Church (Image: Denise Bradley)READ MORE: Einstein's letter from Norfolk Nazi hide-out fetches HUGE sum at auction

One of the ploughshare sculptures depicts North Walsham’s early history with features including sheep shears - to represent the wool industry, flames - to mark a devastating fire in 1600, and a Fleur de Lys - the symbol of the Paston family. 

The companion sculpture focuses on the past 200 years and features a gas burner - in reference to the Bacton terminal, a spanner - marking engineering firms such as Randells, and rail clips and a screw, as North Walsham was formerly a major junction with two stations. 

North Norfolk News: Part of the sculpture depicting the later part of North Walsham's historyPart of the sculpture depicting the later part of North Walsham's history (Image: Denise Bradley)NOW READ THIS: Former MP confused as remains of stolen bike given abandonment notice

Bob Wright, town mayor, said: “I think it's been a great example of how different organisations and groups such as the church, heritage group, archive group and Paston Society have come together to help deliver this.

"In particular, the Community Shop, whose founder, the late Paul Oakes, had the initial idea, has generously funded much of the work.

“I'd like to thank all those involved, including residents, businesses and farmers who've donated objects which have gone into the creation of these pieces.

“I hope that these sculptures will be enjoyed and will stimulate discussion and interest in our past.”