NEW York may boast of being modern art’s most exciting city...but it has turned to St Helens for inspiration over its latest tourist attraction.

Nestled in the middle of Manhattan, near the famous Flatiron building and the Empire State, is a sculpture which looks like Dream’s little cousin.

The world renowned artist Jaume Plensa, who created the iconic artwork at the former Sutton Manor Colliery, has created a similar, smaller piece in New York, entitled Echo.

Echo, in Madison Square Park, like Dream depicts a young girl’s head.

The artwork, which will be in place throughout the summer, is already drawing attention from busy New Yorkers who are already referring to it as the ‘Big Head’.

St Helens was even mentioned in The New York Times, who credited our town with being the location of the artist’s first cast of a giant female head.

New Yorker Katie Killary, who took our photo, told the Star: “Madison Square Park always has displays and installations that feel ahead of their time. You can't walk past it without doing a double take in disbelief.

“Everyone on the outskirts of the park stood with camera phones out, looking on in wonderment and curiosity.”

Gary Conley, one of the leading figures in bringing Dream to St Helens, said: “We should take it as a massive compliment that such an iconic city like New York, which could have chosen any sculpture in the world, to have chosen a piece similar to Dream.

“But at least in New York, people can view it properly. Our own iconic piece of art is obscured by trees.”