A SKETCH of a planned statue of Keith Floyd, the TV chef and author who was brought up in Wiveliscombe, was made public by sculptor John Alder this week.

The plans for the bronze and marble statue have already received celebrity backing.

Mr Alder, who is secretary of the Keith Floyd Memorial project, said: “We now have the backing of some very influential personalities and celebrities from the world of TV and gourmet cooking, including John Miles, Keith’s one-time agent and chef and TV personality Phil Vickery, formerly of the Castle Hotel, in Taunton, who was a friend and colleague.

“Legendary chef Raymond Blanc OBE, of the multi-award winning Manoir aux Quat’Saisons Restaurant and of television fame, has also declared support for the statue of his friend and has promised a donation.”

Mr Floyd, a former Wellington School pupil, died of a heart attack last year at the age of 65.