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For more than 20 years locals and holidaymakers alike would look out for one of Looe's many attractions.

The harbour will house the sculpture

Nelson the famous one-eyed seal made the harbour of Looe his home for many years. Sadly he died in 2003, and plans began to make a lasting tribute to him.

Jump forward four years and now almost all the 拢24,000 needed for the bronze has been raised, with very little of it coming from public funds.

The internationally-renowned sculptor Suzie Marsh, who lives just outside Liskeard, hasn't charged any fee. Our reporter Michael Taylor went along to meet her:

It is hoped that the life-size bronze sculpture of Nelson will be on the Pennyland Rocks in Looe harbour entrance in the spring / early summer 2008.听The statue will evoke thoughts of the sea, fishing, wildlife and the environment as well as bringing a smile to the faces of Nelson's many fans.

Suzie and her sculpture

"I am hoping the locals will be pleased with it," says Suzie Marsh. "Nelson was a very much loved creature and the fishermen used to feed and look after him. I hope it will benefit everyone who lives in Looe."听

The Looe Development Trust has been awarded a 拢6,000 grant to produce a leaflet about the area鈥檚 marine heritage and fund school educational trips to the Seal Sanctuary at Gweek.

Also, the project is this week receiving 拢800 from the South East Cornwall Tourism Association.