EVESHAM'S most famous son is to be remembered with a unique statue in the town centre.

Planning permission has been granted for a three metre high bronze sculpture of swinesman Eof, whose visionary experience of the Virgin Mary led to the building of Evesham Abbey.

But now organisers have cleared the hurdle of obtaining permission to erect the statue, they are once again facing another gruelling challenge - raising the money to build it.

Vale Magazine is appealing for local people to help generate the necessary £50,000.

"It's great news that we can now start to look at raising the money for the statue," said Ian Tustin, partner for Vale Magazine owners Perfect Image.

"This is the first major piece of art for Evesham and it will be a focus of the town for years to come.

"And the best thing is that the people have chosen it. A few years ago we asked readers how they would like to celebrate the Millennium and they decided on a statue of Eof.

"We commissioned several artists to come up with a design, and again the people chose the one they liked."

The winning design was by Worcester artist John McKenna and depicts the moment in which Eof sees Mary and calls the Bishop of Worcester, who also sees the Blessed Virgin.

Mr McKenna, who now lives in Scotland, is no stranger to large works of art - he is currently working on a plaque for the Queen Mary II, which will be the world's biggest cruise ship.

But there is something about the story of Eof that has intrigued him.

"I am so pleased that planning permission has been granted," he said.

"I love working on a piece of art with a good story behind it, and this has one of the best."

Vale Magazine is organising various fund-raising events to help pay for the statue, but is urging local individuals and businesses to use their own initiative too.

"The statue has been chosen by the people for the town and we are now asking for their help to make it a reality," added Mr Tustin.

Anyone who would like to help should call Perfect Image on 01386 40435.