A STATUE may be commissioned in Watchet to celebrate Samuel Taylor Coleridge's lyric poem, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.
It is believed Coleridge was inspired to write the poem by his visits to Watchet during his time in Nether Stowey at the end of the 18th century.
Local historian Ben Norman is credited with the idea of the statue, which Watchet Market House Museum is planning to commission.
He said: "Watchet is going through an immense period of change. We want to embrace the future whilst retaining strong links with our maritime past.
"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner has something in it for everyone, which is exactly how we see the Market House Museum and Watchet as a whole."
Museum secretary Michael Sully said a brief was being prepared with a view to approaching several sculptors for their own interpretations.
West Somerset District Council has been approached about the possibility of placing the statue near the museum, and Mr Sully said it was hoped everyone would see it as a contribution to the regeneration of Watchet.
Museum chairman Malcolm Brown said: "We believe there is nowhere else in England better placed than Watchet to celebrate this epic poem. It was written locally and we think a statue will be a focal point for visitors and local people."
He said the museum, which attracted a record 1,600 people over Easter had been very successful in raising awareness about the town's heritage.
"We feel sure a statue will be the first step in opening out the work of the museum into the town. We are also looking at collating information to create a Town Heritage Trail," he said.
It is intended to hold fundraising events to cover the costs of the statue, with advice from Artlife co-ordinator for West Somerset Tracey Roberts and Watchet Regeneration Partnership worker Carol Stone.