The Fifth Duke of Devonshire was responsible for building the town's magnificent Crescent, the University of Derby Buxton Dome and St John's Church.

Now a permanent statue recognising the legacy of his influence is being planned for The Crescent.

The design for the bronze statue has been completed and it is hoped work can start in the winter, once all the funding is in place. A limited edition of nine miniature versions of the statue, which will stand in the Crescent, are being sold to raise money for the project and a special event is also being planned for the winter to add to the tally.

Bill Barratt, who is responsible for the project, said: "When I first came to Buxton I used to walk into town and people would be stood there looking at the Crescent saying they didn't know who built it or anything so I thought a statue would be a great focal point with information about the Duke underneath on a plinth."

The miniature statues cost £4,000. Anyone who would like to buy one should call Bill Barratt on 01298 22491.