A new sculpture at Lichfield Cathedral is to be backed by a local business.
Local artist Peter Walker is creating the new 3-metre bronze representation of St Chad.
The project has been backed by local car dealership Tempest Ford, which has signed up to be the first Platinum Sponsor of the cathedral.
The company has previously supported the East End Appeal, which saw a £3.7m restoration of the Lady Chapel and its famous Herkenrode Glass.
Brian Carruthers, managing director at Tempest Ford, said: “We believe it’s vital to work with and support local organisations, and we’re thrilled to be working closely with the Cathedral for a second year.
“This beautiful building sits in the heart of our city and never fails to impress visitors from all walks of life, and from all over the world.
“The St Chad project is one we’re very excited about, and we also look forward to supporting the Cathedral with their Christmas celebrations, later this year.”
The Very Revd Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield, added: “It’s an exciting time for the Cathedral at present.
“Our Herkenrode Glass has been reinstalled recently and now we are undertaking a project to re-light and re-wire the Cathedral.
“We are also launching the St Chad sculpture project. St Chad was the founding Bishop of Lichfield and his shrine drew, and still draws, thousands of pilgrims and visitors to the city.
“Having a statue of him welcoming us to the Cathedral, the building that his successor founded, will be a very special experience indeed.”
Tempest Ford have also agreed to sponsor the Lichfield Garrick’s Christmas pantomime and the Whittington Countryside Fair in recent weeks.
