Plans to erect a statue of the 13th century poet, writer and philosopher Dante in Midhurst have been approved by Chichester District Council.

The application from Harvey Tordoff, of the Midhurst Society, to install the 2.16m bronze statue atop a rock and concrete base, was given the nod by planning officers.

It will stand on land south of the car park in Grange Road, near South Pond close to the ornamental footbridge.

The application stated: “Midhurst is the adopted home of the sculptor Philip Jackson, and it would be fitting to have a Philip Jackson statue on prominent display in the town.

“In an amazing gesture of generosity, Philip is proposing making a gift of the statue to the people of Midhurst – to be held on their behalf by Midhurst Town Council.”

While Midhurst has no link to Dante, Chichester is twinned with Ravenna, where his tomb attracts thousands of visitors each year.

The statue will depict Dante holding poem The Divine Comedy.