Songsmith Billy Bragg was among the local stars to bridge two boroughs as he unveiled a sculpture in his image.

The Barking-born musician, the Fisher family and former Ford sewing machinists were joined by primary school pupils yesterday as they opened a walking and cycling path over the river Beam connecting Havering with Barking and Dagenham.

“We decided to do the artwork to draw people in to the space, there’s no better way of getting residents involved,” explained Karl Brierly of charity Sustrans, which delivered the GLA-funded portrait bench project, part of a country-wide initiative.

More than 4,000 residents voted to decide which sculptures would be made, showcasing the industrial and cultural triumphs in the two boroughs.

A figure to represent women of the historic 1968 Ford sewing machinists’ strike in Dagenham - which led to the Equal Pay Act - were unveiled by the former Ford sewing machinists, Vera Sime and Eileen Pullen.

Meanwhile widow Emma Fisher and her sons William and James revealed a figure to commemorate husband, father and Elm Park solider, WO2 Ian Fisher, 3rd Mercian Regiment, who gave his life while serving in Afghanistan in 2013.

The next generation also got a look in, with nearly thirty youngsters cycling from Ben Hurst Primary School in Havering and The Leys in Dagenham to help Michael Cullen cut the ribbon and try out the new route. The 80-year-old has campaigned tirelessly for the construction of the bridge, which opened earlier this year, with funding from TfL.

“The kids have got really excited, they are really enthused about the space,” said Karl.

“They came in to the school today asking about who the people in the sculptures were.”

Matthew Pencharz, deputy mayor for environment and energy, added:

“The Big Green Fund does fantastic work to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of local people by sprucing up and creating more green spaces in urban areas.

“It’s important for everyone to have easy access to clean, green open space in the capital and I am thrilled that this scheme, which links Havering with Barking and Dagenham will deliver great environmental benefits and help communities connect.”

The sculptures and bridge can be reached by visiting the Beam Valley Country Park or Breton’s Outdoor Centre.

Sustrans is a charity enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport. Go to sustrans.org.uk to find out more.