PEOPLE are being urged to get behind a public art project to help tally up "vital" funding for a permanent sculpture trail.

Organisers of the Lyme Regis ArtsFest Sculpture Trail are appealing for public help to allow sculptures to be displayed throughout the year, after putting in a funding bid for £25,000 to the Aviva Community Fund.

John Calder, ArtsFest organiser, said: "This funding is vital. We have put in a bid for £25,000 that covers payment of artists that have their work retained there for 12 months and an investment in a bronze hare man sculpture which has been by far the most popular sculpture this year.

"It has gone very well so far. We have got 850 votes already, but I imagine we need to get around 7,000 to be in with a chance of becoming a finalist."

He added: "The sculpture trail started within the ArtsFest, but I think there is scope for there to be an engaging presence of sculpture art in Lyme.

"As long as it keeps changing, as long as it is something new now and then, my view is that it will enhance the gardens.

"The important thing is the local people get to know about it and have their say."

Lyme Regis ArtsFest 2016 was launched in June when the first pieces in the Arts Council-supported sculpture trail began to appear in the Langmoor and Lister Gardens overlooking the sea. Other sculptures have followed to complete trails in different parts of the town. The locations of the sculptures are marked in a specially designed map available from Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre and around the town.

Several of the sculptures have been funded by local businesses.

Lyme Regis Town Council, Town Mill Arts and LymeForward have all endorsed a proposal to keep several works from the 2016 sculpture trail for at least 12 months, and to cast a bronze hare man sculpture.

Mr Calder added: "Surely the 2016 ArtsFest Sculpture Trail has demonstrated there could be a place for public art in Lyme Regis all the time.

"It can provide benefit to the residents and stimulate interest in our visitors."

Each person who registers can cast up to 10 votes for the project of their choice. Organisers will find out in January if they have been successful in their funding bid.

In order to support the sculpture trail funding bid, visit avivacommunityfund.co.uk/voting/project/view/16-1576