HE'S USED to creating a WOW Factor all of his own.

Now one of Southampton's most famous entertainers has entered the debate about how the city can generate an international buzz.

Female impersonator Danny La Rue told the Daily Echo that his adopted city should put up a statue honouring the heroes of the Second World War including Romsey's Lord Louis Mountbatten.

The tribute statue, which could be located in the town's planned Plaza, would also pay homage to Southampton's role as the birthplace of the famous Spitfire.

It would also have statues representing soldiers, sailors and airmen who gave their lives during the second world war.

Danny, who spent many years entertaining on board the city's cruise liners, said the sculpture would be a fitting memorial to Southampton's key role in the darkest days of the second world war.

He added that the city should also hold an annual carnival which would bring its streets to life.

He said: "I love Southampton.

"I have travelled the world and I think Southampton is one of the most exciting cities.

"I am sure Lord Louis' family would be delighted.

"The Spitfire memorial could be incorporated into it."

This week the Daily Echo launched its very own competition to search for the city's so called WOW Factor.

What we are looking to you for the freshest ideas for a building or some structure that would put the city on the international map.

It follows a damning report which was presented to the city's leisure bosses last week which highlighted Southampton's failure to market itself as a "destination city" through its rich heritage.

City bosses are also hunting for an iconic image that would announce Southampton to the wider world.

Suggestions so far include a building or structure to be sited at Town Quay which would be visible to ocean liners and other vessels as they sail along Southampton Water.

Other radical ideas include towing Queen Mary back from her home in Long Beach California and mooring her at the city's docks or even buying the QE2 when she is decommissioned a decade from now. Winning entries in the Daily Echo's competition will get six bottles of champagne. Entrants under 18 will get a free stack of DVDs. get your entries in by Friday, December 10. Send them to David Newble, Southern Daily Echo, Test Lane, Redbridge Southampton.

Alternatively, e-mail david.newble@soton-echo.co.uk.