Organisers behind plans to build a life-size statue of Amy Johnson on Herne Bay seafront have reached their £20,000 target to fund the figure.

It means the bronze piece of the legendary pilot, which is currently being built in Ramsgate, can now be completed.

However, project leaders are still finalising where the statue will go and are now calling on residents to continue donating to cover its installation cost.

Organiser Jane Priston, of Buller’s Avenue, said: “We have got the money for the statue – we are now trying to raise the money for the delivery, installation and unveiling event.

“It’s a really difficult one to quantify how much we need at the moment.

“I would like to thank the people of Herne Bay for their continuing support, but we are not there yet..." - Jane Priston

“We may well get closer in the next couple of weeks and once we know where the statue is going we can quantify the costs.”

Mrs Priston, 43, revealed in January that Prince Michael of Kent – cousin to Queen Elizabeth – has been booked to unveil the statue in September.

She has now confirmed that adventurer Tracey Curtis-Taylor, who completed a 14,600-nautical mile flight from the UK to Australia in January, will also attend.

Mrs Priston added: “We want the unveiling event to be a great day for the Bay.

“We have now got confirmation that Tracey Curtis-Taylor will be unveiling the bronze with Prince Michael of Kent, which is great.

“It’s all slowly coming together but we do need donations.

“I would like to thank the people of Herne Bay for their continuing support, but we are not there yet.”

Mrs Priston added that stunt pilot Lauren Richardson will perform at the unveiling, which will be held on Saturday, September 17.

Mrs Priston said: “Lauren has agreed to fly for us – she is such an inspiration.

“She effectively flies a modern stunt plane which is a bi-plane and there are so many links between her and Amy. Lauren will do a special display and we are hoping to organise a meet the pilot event at the unveiling – it will be an opportunity for people to come and see her.”

Visit www.amyjohnsonhernebay.com to donate.