PLANS to remember Derek the goose, one of Watchet’s best-loved characters, got off to a flying start this week, with more than £600 given online, and promises of donations from businesses and organisations in the town towards a life-sized bronze statue which could cost at least £3,000.

Derek - a female snow-goose - died a violent and mysterious death in the early hours of October 23 after living in Watchet harbour for over ten years and being fed and looked after by the town’s community.

She had lived among the boats in Watchet marina after being blown into the harbour by a storm. “She had a special place in our hearts and we have been thrilled and very touched by the tributes and condolences from people from all over the world,” said Watchet resident Ms Carron Scott, who ran Derek’s personal Facebook page.

Now Carron has organised an action group to provide a permanent memorial to Derek, whose remains were found on the marina slipway. The cause of death remains unknown,

“The action group are planning our next moves,” Carron said. “We have applied for funding and several local sculptors have already offered their services.

“We are aiming for a full-sized sculpture on a plinth, ideally on the Esplanade, near the two existing statues of the Ancient Mariner and Yankee Jack, but we will have discussions with the council about that.

“We had an original target of £1,500 on the funding website but we now think it will probably be double that by the time we have the insurance and everything else in place.”

Carron sad it was hoped to have the statue in place in time for the start of next year’s holiday season and has asked local poets to come up with a suitable verse for the plinth to commemorate Derek.

“I have been overwhelmed by the response to losing Derek. The comments have been so lovely and everyone is pleased that we are doing something which will keep Derek’s memory alive in the town,” Carron said.

“People loved her so much it’s very important to involve as many as possible and we would love to hear any suggestions or improvements to our plans.”

Internet sites have been deluged with messages from as far away as Australia, America and Singapore. Some typical posts include: “Derek was a highlight and one of the many wonderful quirks of Watchet and we looked for her every time we visited. She will be missed.”

“Remember Derek well, what a character she was. She gave me many smiles - and tellings off! - during my time mooring in Watchet Harbour. Definitely a goose worth remembering.”

“I remember Derek a few days before she died wading through the mud at low tide. She was as fed up as everyone else with the mud in the marina. It made me smile. Derek was a real character and will be missed.

“I never met Derek nor have I ever been to Watchet but I’m very much in favour of statues of geese. Every town should have at least one and preferably more than one. If your statue ever gets installed, I’ll come and see it!”

To contribute to Derek’s statue, go to Memorial for Derek the female goose at GoFundMe

n Carron has been approached by the producers of ‘Have I Got News For You? - BBC ONE’s satire show with Ian Hislop and Paul Merton. The producers say they may feature Derek in the programme. It airs at 9.30pm tonight (Friday).