THE final countdown to the big Taunton Dragon reveal has begun.

Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) will be unleashing the monster in a sculpture in Taunton High Street this weekend.

The four-metre-high public art piece created by chainsaw artist Matthew Crab is currently in position under wraps waiting to be unveiled on Saturday (February 11) at 3pm.

It was commissioned by the council to replace two trees removed after having outgrown their brick planters and posing a danger to people and properties.

The artwork inspired by the Somerset Dragon is intended to leave a legacy for SWT before the new Somerset Council is created on April 1.

The dragon theme is embedded in Taunton’s history. Taunton began as a Saxon village where a dragon is believed to have been the royal emblem of the Anglo-Saxon Kings of Wessex.

Somerset’s flag, Coat of Arms, County Cricket team and the new Somerset Council are all represented by a dragon.

Dragons also appear frequently in Somerset’s folklore, for example, at Carhampton, St Carantoc tamed a dragon, whereas in Aller a dragon in the form of a flying serpent breathed flames and poisonous fumes.

Carvings on the chancel screen of All Saints Church in Norton Fitzwarren, dated 1509, reputedly show the Dragon of Norton Hillfort where the dragon is alleged to have risen from the putrefying bodies of those killed in a great battle at the Hillfort.

SWT’s executive member for culture, Cllr Caroline Ellis, said: "Super talented local chainsaw artist Matt Crabb has crafted the most stunning and awe-inspiring dragon sculpture for residents and visitors of all ages to enjoy.

"Made of incredibly durable cedar, the Taunton dragon will delight and inspire us for decades to come.

“Taunton is at the heart of one of the most creative counties in the land blessed with so many creatives and craftspeople - a county with a great tradition of folklore, mythology and a rich heritage.

“Our dragon celebrates and amplifies all this and will support us in reviving the High Street and in putting Taunton and Somerset firmly on the arts and cultural map where they belong.

“Do come and meet the dragon and enjoy all the fabulous activities on offer that weekend and in half term week."

SWT has an afternoon of fun activities planned to include dragon themed arts and crafts, fire performances, Somerset County Cricket Club mascot Stumpy and plenty of surprises.

Shops and local businesses have also been invited to join in the celebration with dragon themed window dressings as well as a special dragon themed augmented reality trail.