A SAND sculpture encapsulating the Queen is to become a permanent addition to the sand modelling area on Weymouth Beach.

The sculpture - initially carved to commemorate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee - will now remain as a tribute and 'a place of reflection'.

A spokesperson for Sandworld described the Queen as 'one of the greatest, most dedicated and respected heads of state the world has ever seen'.

They added that they hoped the sculpture would 'bring comfort over the coming weeks, months and beyond.'

Over the years the Royal Family has inspired several sculptures at the attraction - including one created by David Hicks and unveiled earlier in the year that showed the Queen on a commemorative 50p coin.

Mr Hicks recently received a thank you card from Buckingham Palace after sending them a picture of his meticulous replica.

Mark Anderson, sculptor, and his team were honoured to meet Her Majesty The Queen on Weymouth Beach when she came to admire their sculpture of Windsor Castle prior to the 2012 Olympics.

The current 'around the world' Sandworld installations at the beach can be viewed daily until November 6.

A spokesperson for Sandworld said: "We will be taking time to mourn the loss of Her Majesty and send our condolences to The Royal Family and those who admired our leader across the globe."