THE man who is making a bronze statue of a dead cat is asking Journal readers to choose the final design.

Lee Robert McStein, who co-owns 3D model making business Monuments Men in Leigh, says that black and white cat Solomon deserves a permanent tribute in the town after establishing himself as a 'local celebrity' before he was killed by a car at the age of one in April.

The 31-year-old has come up with four designs for the moggy memorial and he wants Journal readers to vote for their favourite.

He will then get to work on making the design with the most votes in time for its scheduled unveiling in September.

Lee said: “The project has received lots of support from people in Leigh.

“Solomon was loved in the town. He was a local celebrity who is sorely missed and it is important to do this for him.

“I have come up with my final four designs using pictures of Solomon and I want Journal readers to choose which one is made.

“The final design will be announced on August 1 and I am really looking forward to presenting the finalised statue and engraved plaque in early September.”

Solomon's antics visiting a wide range of places in the town became popular on social media.

His favourite haunts were St Mary the Virgin parish church, the Turnpike Centre, Asda, the As in Eden community centre, Leigh CE Infant School and the Platinum Projects Europe offices.

The statue will be placed at one of those places but a final decision on the statue's location has yet to be made.

Lee added: "A plinth is also still needed for the statue to sit on. Any help on that front would be appreciated."

Anyone wanting to get involved with the project should visit facebook.com/monumentmenofficial or e-mail monumentmen.initial@gmail.com.

And to get a 360 degree view of the designs, click below and hold and drag your mouse

'A statue for Solomon' - proposed statue designs by Monument Men on Sketchfab