AMERICAN student Damon Ayers is leading a team of stonemasons and sculptors in a unique project to mark Dorset's World Heritage Site status.

Damon, 29, from Vermont, in the USA, plans to transform Foord's Corner Roundabout in Wyke Regis, Weymouth, into a "gateway to the Jurassic coast" using themed sculptures and Portland stone.

His design includes a collection of sculptures in the centre of the roundabout, surrounded by a circle of Portland stone blocks, donated by Portland firm Hanson Bath and Portland Stone, which will feature wave, sea creature and fossil carvings.

Damon, who is studying for a Higher National Diploma in architectural stonework at Weymouth College, said: "I worked on a roundabout project in France last year and thought it would be great to do a similar project here in Weymouth."

The former cook said the project would be one of the first to capitalise on Dorset's World Heritage status.

He added: "I'm hoping it will also be an emblem of the skills of masons and people who work in stone, showing what can be done."

Weymouth College geology lecturer, Alan Holiday, who is helping in the development of the project, said that the Isle of Portland was one of the most undeveloped heritage sites on the Jurassic Coast.

"Hopefully it will awaken interest in those visitors who currently visit Portland Bill but leave without looking into the history of the coast, going back 140 million years in the case of Portland," he said.

The project is supported by the borough council and visitors can view the work in progress at the college from June 14 to 16.

If you want to help with the project, phone Damon on (01305) 788155.