D Day will arrive in Thetford when a much anticipated Dad's Army statue is unveiled in the town centre.

D Day will arrive in Thetford when a much anticipated Dad's Army statue is unveiled in the town centre.

The Friends of Dad's Army Museum launched an appeal two years ago to create a bronze statue of Captain Mainwaring to celebrate the town's connection with the famous television sitcom.

It is now in the process of organising a week-long series of events in June, culminating with the grand unveiling of the statue.

Sculptor Sean Hedges Quinn, who created the Bobby Robson bronze statue in Ipswich, has been tasked with permanently immortalising Captain Mainwaring and, if permission is granted by Breckland Council, the statue is set to be positioned between the Bell and former Anchor Hotel, where the cast and crew stayed during the filming of the series between 1968 and 1977.

The statue, which will be unveiled on June 19, will represent a full size bronze Captain Mainwaring sitting on a bench.

A total of about �17,000 has been raised so far but more is needed to put together a staggering week of events, to be held between June 15 and June 20, the highlight of which will be a community stage play.

Organiser Corinne Fulford said: “We wanted him on a bench so that when people come to visit they can arrange themselves around him and make up the platoon.

“For a voluntary organisation like this to raise all the funds themselves makes me very proud of everyone. They are all incredible people.”

Other attractions will include music from RAF Honington's Voluntary Band, 1940s dances, with the chance for people to take part, Dad's Army tours, and visits from former cast members including museum patron Bill Pertwee.

The final day will be held at the Bressingham Steam Gardens, which has moved its annual Croft and Perry Day from May to June to coincide with the celebrations.

Anyone wanting to donate funds, wood for the bench, or who can make the bench, should contact Corinne Fulford on 07802 701911.

The Dad's Army museum will re-open after the winter on March 6. Opening times are between 10am and 2pm. For more information see the museum website at www.dadsarmythetford.org.uk.