MINEHEAD Town Council has given its unanimous support to plans to give the town a lasting legacy to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Councillors met last week and agreed in principle to take over the maintenance and insurance of a proposed new clock tower on the seafront.

Their decision was welcomed by members of Minehead Conservation Society who have spent more than two years working on a jubilee clock scheme.

Society member and clock tower appeal treasurer Derek Webb said the modern stainless steel structure had been designed to require minimum maintenance.

"The clock, which will belong to the people of Minehead, will be West Somerset's permanent celebration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, which takes place in June 2012.

"It will mimic similar landmarks which can be seen in many seaside resorts, such as Weymouth."

The clock tower, which has already been given planning approval, will be put on its land on the seafront-side pavement opposite the entrance to the West Somerset Railway.

However, donations are needed from local people, organisations and businesses to meet the anticipated costs of the scheme.

Mr Webb said: "Any donation over £30 will allow the donor to name any loved one which will then be permanently etched onto the base of the clock.

"We have also been given planning permission to erect an information and advertising structure on the site to carry the names and details of local businesses which are proud to support such a prestigious structure."

Minehead Mayor Terry Venner said he was pleased the town council had been able to support the venture and applauded the efforts of the conservation society.

He has already donated £250 to the clock tower appeal from his personal mayor's allowance.

"All the councillors thought it was an excellent idea and welcomed the opportunity to support it.

"The conservation society isn't asking for anything from the public purse, so it's not costing taxpayers' anything, so good luck to them!" Cllr Venner said.

The clock tower will feature stainless steel cornerposts and a central shaft and have two semi-circular seating areas at its base surrounded by York Stone paving.

It has been designed by Peter Ferguson, who has close relatives in the town and whose great grandfather was local builder Freddie Burt.

Mr Ferguson works as a conservation architect and has drawn on his own love and knowledge of marine history to come up with a lighthouse-like clock tower.

He said he had deliberately chosen an open design to ensure it did not obstruct views of the sea, while concealed solar panels could be fitted in the roof to provide lighting for the three clock faces and fourth face which will show tide times.

A series of colourful wooden panels are also included, which will feature cut-outs of "symbols of Minehead".

Leaflets explaining how people can donate to the appeal are available in Minehead Library and various local shops.

Details, including artist's impressions, a list of donors and information on how to donate, can also be found online at the website http://www.mineheadclocktower.org.uk">www.mineheadclocktower.org.uk.