Without the vision of Henry Le Strange in the mid-19th century, Hunstanton would not be the seaside resort it is today.

And now that the £40,000 costs have been met, a statue of the great man should be in place in the town on Upper Green, overlooking the lower Green and the Wash, by spring 2017.

More than £12,700 was raised in the town, and William Searle, who led the fundraising for the larger-than-life bronze statue, said: 'My thanks go to the many people who have made donations. Now all the funding is in place we can get on with the task of commissioning the sculptor and making this project a reality.

'Hunstanton owes so much to Henry Le Strange; it seems only right he is acknowledged in this way. It is clear that residents still have enormous respect for him and this has been demonstrated by the level of donations.'

West Norfolk Council made a £8,000 contribution towards the sculpture with £20,000 match- funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund-supported Hunstanton Heritage Gardens project.

Borough council cabinet member for regeneration Alistair Beales said: 'This statue will be at the heart of the Hunstanton Heritage Gardens project, which is fitting for this country squire who did so much to shape the Victorian resort.

'I am delighted to see how the whole community has got behind this project.'

Are you fundraising for a special reason? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk