Queen Elizabeth II statue to be unveiled

 A statue of what is believed to be England's first permanent memorial to Queen Elizabeth II is to be unveiled.

The 7ft (2.1m) bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth will go on display outside Oakham Library on Sunday.

To celebrate the occasion, car parking in council-owned public car parks in Oakham will be free on Saturday.

Councillor Christine Wise, from Rutland County Council, said she hoped people "take the opportunity to shop local and bring a welcome boost to retailers".

She added: "We're very pleased that Oakham Town Council has enabled free parking as Oakham gets ready to celebrate the life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II."

Samantha Noble

The statue will be positioned on a grassy area near the junction of Catmos Street and Stamford Road

The authority said it would be England's first permanent memorial to the late Queen.

The statue, which the council said was largely funded by donations from businesses and members of the public, cost £125,000 and was commissioned by the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland.

It will be positioned on a grassy area near the junction of Catmos Street and Stamford Road.

Bronze was heated to 1,140C (2,084F) and poured into various moulds to make the statue

A popular peacock flower feature already on the site will be relocated.

Rutland County Council received 41 objections and 33 letters of support for the plans during the consultation.

The free parking is being subsidised by Oakham Town Council, and all on-street parking restrictions will remain in place.