A GIANT metal structure emerging from a North Yorkshire yard can today be revealed as a trial run for a new terminal at Heathrow Airport.

The 35 metre-high steel model at Dalton, near Thirsk, is a trial run for the roof of the Terminal 5 development.

Airport operator BAA is working with a range of companies at steelwork contractors Severfield-Rowen to test out construction of the new roof in a £2.4 million trial. The structure has created interest from locals and passing motorists on the A1 struggling to work out what the huge steel-limbed frame is for.

"It may look like something from a sci-fi film set, but in fact it's a vital test run for building the stunning roof which will span Terminal 5 at Heathrow when it opens in 2008," said BAA project leader Mark Cowieson.

"Because it's visible from miles away, not surprisingly people have been curious about what the massive structure is all about, so we're happy to clear up any mystery."

Severfield-Rowen director Peter Emerson said: "There's a fantastic buzz about the project and people are very excited to be working on what is probably the largest project in Europe at the moment."

Updated: 10:57 Wednesday, July 30, 2003