A renowned sculptor has said he is "thrilled" to have been chosen to create a statue of Queen Elizabeth II for a new national memorial, saying he would like it to be an "object of delight for people".

Martin Jennings, who has also portrayed the Queen Mother and King Charles in past works, told Sky News he was "delighted" when he received the call saying he'd been invited to join the project.

"I mean, I was absolutely thrilled," he said.

"It's a terrific commission to be asked to do and to be quite honest, I can't quite remember what the rest of the phone call was all about - I was so delighted to have been appointed."

Image: Martin Jennings will create the statue of the late Queen for her national memorial

Mr Jennings will now set about creating the statue of the late Queen

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