AN appeal has been launched this week to raise funds to help with the costs of erecting Haslemere's first ever piece of public sculpture.

A bronze bust of Queen Elizabeth I was commissioned by Haslemere Town Council following a bequest from a well-known local family.

It will stand at an entrance to the new Charter Walk shops which are nearing completion in the town.

Now Haslemere Town Mayor Michael Barnes is hoping that residents, local businesses and friends of the town will contribute towards the £2,066 needed for the substantial stone plinth on which the magnificent bust will sit.

It will be made from Bargate stone from part of the boundary wall of Haslemere Museum, which was demolished earlier this year to make way for a new drop-off point for disabled people.

The five-feet high plinth, is being made by a firm of local stonemasons Lindsey Clark Brothers. Contributing to its cost was a way in which people who wished "to be associated with the town's historic and artistic link" could help, said Mr Barnes.

For those who would like their names to be included, a special certificate showing the names of those who subscribed to the appeal will be on permanent display in the Town Hall.

The bust crafted by local sculptor Malcolm Stathers will celebrate the granting of Haslemere's historic charter by Queen Elizabeth 1 on May 24, 1596.

Mr Stathers from Weydown Road, who has spent up to 50 hours working on the piece, which is approximately 18 inches high and 23 inches across, said he was "delighted that it was going ahead".

A retired oil company executive, Mr Stathers (68) took up serious sculpting more than eight years ago. While most of his work concentrates largely on African wildlife, he also undertakes commissions for figures and portrait busts, and exhibits in London.

His inspiration for the bronze came from a portrait by an anonymous artist which is on show in the National Gallery in London. It is of the queen aged between 30 and 40.

"The ruff was the hardest part," admitted Mr Stathers, who works in a hut in his garden.

The bronze was cast several months ago at a foundry in Kent.

"I'd like to see more public sculpture in Haslemere like most other towns - Haslemere deserves it," said Mr Stathers.

The offer of the bust was made by a member of the family of the late Margarette "Poppy" Rhodes, following her death in January of this year at the age of 88.

Her daughter Sara is married to Haslemere businessman Verardo Ricci.

The eldest member of the Gibbs Trust, which own various properties in the town, Poppy Rhodes' family history stretches back more than 200 years.

Her father-in-law, GWA Rhodes, was famed for his local architectural skills and for his distinctive early 20th century "Rhodes" character properties, which are still much in evidence in Haslemere today.

The Bridger family on her mother's side, included a relative who founded the Haslemere Town Band which continues to go from strength to strength.

The bust will be unveiled by the mayor later this year and will include two simply worded bronze plaques commemorating the generosity of the people of the town and the late Mrs Rhodes.

Donations over and above the sum needed will be presented to the mayors two chosen charities, Haslemere Hospital for essential equipment for the new minor operations unit, and Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Anyone who wishes to donate to the appeal should make cheques payable to Haslemere Town Council and send them to the Town Hall, High Street, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 2HG.