A STEEL statue of a war-weary soldier has been temporarily moved so that it can be anchored securely to the ground and paving stones laid for the thousands of people who come to visit it.

Officially called 1101, but better known as Tommy, the statue in Seaham, County Durham, captured the public imagination amid the commemorations marking the centenary of the outbreak of the of the war in August.

The nine-and-half foot figure proved so popular during the three-month loan period that a campaign was launched raise £85,000 to buy it and ensure it remained in the town.

Mission 1101 campaigners led the efforts to raise the fund, with many local individuals and businesses rallying to support the cause, which also won the backing of local members of Seaham Town Council and Durham County Council.

The statue, created by sculptor Ray Lonsdale, of nearby South Hetton, attracted droves of visitors to the green, providing a huge boost for traders on nearby North Terrace.

Seaham deputy town clerk Paul Fletcher said: “We are putting a base down so paving can be placed around the sculpture. It has proved so popular that the area has worn around it.

“It has always been the intention to carry out the work, but it has just taken a bit of time for it to be formally approved by Durham County Council.

“This will make it better for visitors so they don’t get damp feet – and it will make the area more attractive.”

“There will be a bit of concrete, so the statue is anchored into the ground.”

The statue has been lifted and moved four metres to allow the £5,000 project to be carried out. A time capsule will be put in by Mission 1101.

Mr Fletcher said: “It wasn’t the intention to keep him, but people were so impressed by the sculpture they raised the funds and it has now become permanent. It is part of the fixtures and fittings of the town.

“The whole whole town has felt the benefits. Only today a coachload of visitors came from outside the town to see it.”

East Durham Round Table, and the Seaham Shaw Trust have been involved in the latest project. Seaham's George Street Garage provided the crane to move the statue.