A SCULPTOR'S design to revive a famous Basingstoke landmark has been given the thumbs-up by Gazette Newspapers readers.

Plans to give the Thornycroft Clock a new lease of life by putting it in the centre of one of the town's main roundabouts were unveiled earlier this year.

And Hampshire-based Richard Farrington - whose design attracted the most votes from residents and local authorities - has now been chosen as the outright winner.

In January, readers were given the chance to vote on a shortlist of three designs after museum bosses outlined plans to place the clock on Thornycroft Roundabout.

The clock, which sat on top of the company's factory, will now be mounted on a 20ft-high plinth on the roundabout - thanks to a joint initiative involving Hampshire Museums Trust and the borough's sponsored roundabout scheme.

Ian Smith, director of development at the museums trust, said: "An overwhelming majority of the public said the grandfather clock design was the best.

"In addition to this, it was also the design favoured by Hampshire Museums Trust and representatives from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

"People told us that they thought the grandfather clock design was more in keeping with the period of the clock.

"They also liked the fact that the plinth was made of brick, like the clock's original home on top of the factory, giving it a link to the building.

"We received around 50 letters and e-mails on the subject. There was a good response and I am pleased so many people had a say."

Mr Farrington, the structure's designer, is a 48-year-old sculptor from Alton.

"I am delighted that my design has been chosen," he said. "I really like the idea of making a major landmark."

Mr Smith said the project, which will cost around £50,000, will be funded by the trust through grants, sponsorship and donations.

The trust will now put together a brief to apply for planning permission in the next month and will then apply for heritage lottery funding.

Should this fail, Mr Smith will approach local businesses for collective sponsorship.

The AA, which has offices in Basingstoke, is already involved, and is donating 300 yellow roses for planting on the roundabout as part of its centenary celebrations.