A TOWERING fountain of water shooting high into the sky and cascading down on the breeze.

That is the inspired suggestion which has won the Daily Echo's competition to find something to give Southampton a WOW factor.

Dozens of people sent in entries with their ideas. The Daily Echo was looking for an original idea that could give the city that something special which people would remember always and tell their friends about.

The water fountain was the idea of Kate Horne, 54, from Hythe.

Kate, pictured, envisages what could be the world's tallest fountain erupting from Southampton Water opposite the Royal Pier.

Receiving her prize of six bottles of champagne, Mrs Horne said: "Southampton is our home city and one we should be proud of. People need to know about our city, there are some really lovely aspects to it. I think the waterspout would work well because it will make use of our history and assets."

She added that as Southampton was an important arrival and departure point for cruise ships it was important for the city to hold passengers' interest a bit longer. Geneva in Switzerland has a similar fountain known as Jet d'Eau which is visible for miles around.

City Council bosses have been trying to find an iconic symbol that would represent Southampton to the wider world.

Peter Wakeford, deputy leader of Southampton City Council and Cabinet member for leisure, said: "I've been following the competition and found the public input most informative.

"The idea of the water feature is a good one. Whether it's feasible or not will need to be investigated."