It was Greg Gleeson and Brian Williams’ extraordinary interpretations of the creatures from the Alien and Predator movies.

Made entirely from bits of scrap metal including spark plugs, screws, scaffold tubing and motorbike cogs and chains, these cumbersome sculptures weigh about 250 kilograms and are over six feet high.

Mr Gleeson said each sculpture had taken the two of them six weeks to build.

Mr Gleeson had brought the sculptures to the Opal and Gem Expo all the way from Perth, where he says they have been very popular, particularly at motorbike shows.

“You just don’t get a return on them though,” said Mr Gleeson, who was initially trying to sell the Alien and the Predator for $4700 and $5500 respectively.

“I’ve played in art all my life,” said Mr Gleeson, “I’ve never really made money, but I’ve enjoyed myself. It’s just that it tends to be that the person’s name is the selling point for most artworks.”

Mr Gleeson, who says he worked in the region many years ago, has plans to settle in Lightning Ridge.

“I’m thinking of staying here for good because I’ve got friends all around these parts and family in Sydney,” said Mr Gleeson.

“I’ve always wanted to give opal mining a go,” he said, “Now might be the time to do it.”