AN ICONIC landmark which became a proud symbol of Oxford’s rebellious streak has inspired a carnival float.

Students at Chilworth House Upper School near Wheatley have crafted a colourful version of the Headington Shark, famously embedded in the roof of a home in New High Street.

The structure was installed by former home owner Bill Heine, the popular broadcaster and Oxford Mail columnist, in 1986 - much to the dismay of Oxford City Council.

Chilworth House, a school for children with special educational needs, replicated the shark for students to carry in the Cowley Road Carnival parade next week.

They created the colourful creature with help from well-known Oxford artist Andrew ‘Mani’ Manson, also known as The Big Orange M.

The secondary school’s headteacher Michelle Johnson said: “This year is the second year Chilworth Upper School has taken part and we are delighted to be working with Mani.

“Our pupils have often been excluded from this kind of community project and are so keen to be part of this local celebration of diversity and inclusion.

“Mani has brought a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm for the project and has worked alongside our pupils, modelling dignity and respect.

“This approach has enabled a brilliantly creative and ambitious piece to represent out school on carnival day.”

Last year Chilworth pupils joined in the parade with an electric blue bird, based on their school logo of a kite.

The event will return to Cowley Road in East Oxford on Sunday, July 1, and more than 30 groups will take part in the dynamic spectacle.

This year the theme is ‘icons of art’ and several schools are taking part.

Windmill Primary School, Rose Hill Primary School, Orchard Meadow Primary School and Church Cowley St James CE Primary School in Oxford will be among the schools represented.

Cowley Road Carnival spokeswoman Sarah Airey joined pupils and Mani at Chilworth House Upper School on Wednesday, to see the shark in all its glory.

She said: “It's something the children can all get involved in and gives them pride in what they are doing and what they have achieved.

"We are really looking forward to seeing how our other school groups are going to interpret the theme.

"This year should be more colourful than ever before."

Mani is also working with the BMW MINI Plant in Cowley to decorate a car to take part in the procession, which will start at The Plain roundabout at 12.30pm

New participants joining the parade for the first time will include a group celebrating 100 years of suffrage.

Carnival-goers will be invited to don floral headgear and red lipstick on the day to emulate painter and feminist icon Frida Kahlo, and join the group in the procession.

Cowley Road will close from 7am-7pm on the day, from The Plain to Southfield Road.