This is the first look at early designs for a statue honouring the greatest fossil hunter which will be erected in west Dorset.

And the campaign to immortalise renowned Lyme Regis paleontologist Mary Anning is close to achieving its goal.

The campaign group behind the project – which was inspired by a young girl's dream – has released images of early designs for the statue by its chosen sculptor, Denise Dutton. The sketches depict Anning with her dog, Tray, striding out towards the beach.

Local girl Evie Swire started the campaign, with the help of her mother, Anya Pearson, when she was just 11.

Evie is now 13 and a fundraising campaign is £20,000 away from the group being able to commission an artist.

The idea began when, after a day at the beach, Evie asked her mother, ‘Why isn’t there a statue to Mary?' - the 'Mary Anning Rocks' campaign was born shortly after.

Ms Pearson, who is a trustee of the campaign, said: "I’m so proud of Evie. It’s amazing to think of what she’s achieved. She’s really stepped up and helped to manage the campaign, she's done and lot of media and interviews which is hard for a 13-year-old. I’m really proud of her.

"It’s had such a brilliant response and now we only need £20,000 to commission Denise.

"It's great that Mary Anning seems to finally be getting a measure of the recognition she deserves. In her prime she was famous but she was almost lost to time so it only feels fitting that we give her a physical presence in Lyme Regis.

"We've received donations from all over, she has a massive, global draw which I'm not sure us locals fully appreciate."

Shortly after its inception, the campaign was publicly backed by Professor Alice Roberts - an English biological anthropologist, biologist, TV presenter and author - who appeared in a video to launch the crowdfunding bid.

Officially launching last year, the campaign has currently raised just under £52,000 of its £100,000 and needs £20,000 more to commission the work.

The extra money needed to be raised will cover installation and contingency costs.

It is not clear at this stage where the statue will be situated although the group say it will be in a prominent position in central Lyme.

Ms Pearson said: "At the end of the day, I think it’s going to cause so much interest and people will seek it out that it doesn’t really matter – she’ll be in a prominent place looking out to Black Ven."

To make a donation, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/maryanningrocks