A campaign to install a new statue in Dorchester has been started to help recognise the town’s unsung and forgotten woman.

Anya Pearson, founder and trustee of the Mary Annings Rock charity, is now looking to erect a statue in Dorchester to help better represent woman in the town.

As it stands the county town has six men, one dog, the Queen Mother and a horse and the Dorchester Sheroes campaign is looking to change that.

Anya  said: “It turns out I've got one  one last statue in me.

“The representation of statues in our shared landscapes holds great significance, as public art serves as a reflection of how we honour and champion individuals within our communities, those who we think are worthy and should be remembered.

“That's why making women an equal part of that experience is essential.

85 per cent of statues in the UK are of men and only 3 per cent are woman. In the south west of England, there are only three full sized statues celebrating named woman.

Anya added: “There are more statues of men called John than of all non-royal named women put together.

The campaign will be run as a community project in conjunction with local schools, clubs and societies and has the full backing and support of the Dorchester Joint Heritage Committee.

Some of the women on the list to be recognised include English novelist and LGBTQ+ pioneer Sylvia Townsend Warner, 11th century landowner Tola, who founded the abbey at Abbotsbury, The Dorset Button Makers, Mary Mullet Moule for her tireless efforts to help the poor in the 1800s, and Sarah Eldridge for creating and running a brewery in 1837.

However, Anya and the team are looking for more suggestions from members of the public.

She added:  “We are asking people to contact us with their suggestions and support."

Tabitha Schofield, trustee of the William Frampton Educational Foundation and Mark Chutter, chairman of the Thomas Hardy Society,  are also helping to lead the campaign.

Mark added: “I passionately care about Dorchester, and to have a statue of a female Shero in the town is of great importance to me and to the community.”

Nicole Brugger, fundraising officer for the campaign, has already secured the support of local accounting firm Edwards and Keepings and is looking for other local businesses to join.

For more information, to support the cause, or offer suggestions email DorchesterSheroes@gmail.com or find us via their Facebook page @DorcehsterSheroes