WHAT may be the only life-size sculpture of the Queen Mother is sitting in a York garage waiting to be bronzed.

And what's more, the statue of the former Duchess of York could become a permanent feature in the city - if the people of York want it.

Expert sculptor Aden McLeod told the Evening Press that if the city could find the £8,000 to have it bronzed, he is more than happy to let it take up residence in some appropriate part of York city centre.

Aden, originally from Texas but now living in Queensland, Australia, is currently visiting friends in York and using their garage to house his sculpture.

Having won approval from Clarence House, Aden created the sculpture on the Queen Mother's 100th birthday in London's Trafalgar Square in front of thousands of onlookers.

It was intended to be bronzed and auctioned for charity, but after it was made, the deal fell through, leaving Aden with a life-size sculpture of the Queen Mother on his hands.

Aden turned to friends in York and is using the space in their garage to store the work.

He said that if York wanted the statue, the city could have it, as long as it came up with the money needed.

"York is such a beautiful city. All its architecture, the way it's kept its history. But it needs more public art.

"If the sculpture was here, the Queen, or even the Queen Mother herself, might unveil it and that would be great for this city.

"Whatever happens, it will stay here until it is bronzed and it will probably be bronzed here too."

Aden is certainly used to sculpting the rich and famous, having already had everyone from American country music legend Willie Nelson to England rugby star Jeremy Guscott sit for him.

However, his sculpture of the Queen Mother was created from photographs.

He said: "People in England take the whole monarchy thing very light-heartedly. But it is the most famous Royal Family in the world.

"They are who tourists come to see. When funding has fallen through in the past, I've destroyed sculptures. But I could never destroy the Queen Mother."

PICTURE: CONCENTRATION: Artist Aden McLeod at work on his life-size sculpture of the Queen Mother (Paul Baker)