Rhyl's latest innovation marking the centenary of the end of World War One is set to be unveiled.

After 21 days of work, a full scale sculpture carved in oak of Joey, the famous horse from Sir Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse, will be revealed by Dyserth chainsaw artist Ian Murray at St Mostyn Hall, near Holywell, before embarking on a tour of Rhyl schools.

The brainchild of Rhyl Royal British Legion (RBL) Poppy Appeal organiser Richard Kendrick, the mobile statue is intended will be used to educate pupils across Denbighshire about the service of more than one million horses during the war.

Mr Kendrick said: "I asked local wood and chain saw sculptor Ian Murray – a military veteran himself - if he could make a life size horse which we could take round schools and other locations.

"Joey is now nearly completed and will soon be unveiled to the public and I’m sure he will prove very popular."

Working with chainsaw artist Murray, the statue will have a similar level of detail to who a similarly ambitious life size project of Darth Vader for Rhyl Star Wars actor Spencer Wilding and required more than £3,500 to be raised since July.

As well as touring schools and businesses, Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane is assisting the pair in having the sculpture visit 10 Downing Street before potentially becoming a permanent installation in Rhyl.

Inspired by the children's novel, and the subsequent award winning play and Oscar nominated movie by Steven Spielberg, Mr Kendrick has received the seal of approval from author Morpurgo - as well the suggestion of a visit in the future.

In a letter to Mr Kendrick, the author wrote: "Do let me know how your oak horse comes along. I should love to be kept in touch, and maybe one day to come and see it."

Mr Kendrick added: “This project would never have happened without the generosity of businesses and particularly The Real Petfood Company of Bodelwyddan who are the lead sponsors.

"I am also very grateful to our other supporters including Makita UK, Chris Ruane MP, Rhyl Mayor Mrs Wyn Mullen-James and the schools of Rhyl.”