A £50,000 appeal has been launched for a statue to be made of Maldon's famous Saxon warrior, Byrhtnoth, by top sculptor John Doubleday.

The project, by the Maldon Culture Company Ltd which was set up as a not-for-profit company dedicated to the arts, was launched at the Moot Hall on Saturday.

"From what we know of him, Byrhtnoth appears to have been a larger than life character in the best tradition of British war heroes," said company chairman, Tim Groves.

He added: "A more modern hero could have expected a movie by now. Byrhtnoth has, of course, a poem - and 1,000 years on - the Byrhtnoth for Maldon project seeks to supplement this by a visual image and a statue."

Mr Groves said Maldon is fortunate that Mr Doubleday has agreed to create the sculpture and that the district council has agreed to offer a site at the end of the Promenade walk where Byrthnoth can look over the site of the Battle of Maldon. The council will also contribute £2,500.

But £15,000 is needed to buy the statue, £35,000 puts the statue on a column and £50,000 would complete the scheme featuring Byrhtnoth's poem as well as his statue.

Now the Maldon Culture Company is seeking grants and looking for backing from local businesses and people with an affection for the town to support the project.

Donations will be placed into a separate account at Barclays Bank, Maldon.

To help set the scheme on its way, Mr Doubleday has agreed to produce a limited edition of his model which will be sold at around £2,000.

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MP John Whittingdale has agreed to be patron of the project. Anyone who would like more information can contact the Maldon Culture Company at 22 High Street, Maldon. CM9 5PJ.

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