A STATUE of two cyclists which is made of steel has been chosen as a permanent reminder of this summer's Olympic Games.

The sculpture, by artist Heather Burrell, could now be built on the A24/Pixham Lane roundabout near Denbies ahead of the Olympic cycle races in July.

On Tuesday evening, a committee of councillors, business leaders and young people met to choose between three options for the new sculpture.

Councillor Caroline Salmon, who is leading the project, said: "I am happy we have made what does seem to be a fair decision. I always knew it was going to be close and it was.

"By going out to lots of different organisations we have got lots of different views, but the general view is that they want something that is representative of cycling.

"I have now got to work out a way for us to raise the money. I am going to have to have a really big push but the public seem to be supportive.

"If we get it up before the Olympics I will be very, very happy."

The project has been awarded £10,000 of developer funds by Mole Valley District Council, but a further £10,000 must be raised.

Miss Salmon plans to ask people to invest in the project by sponsoring the 200 steel leaves on the statue at £40 each.

Theo Robertson-Bonds, chairman of Mole Valley Youth Voice, said: "I think it was brilliant that so many groups were involved in this unique project and I really look forward to seeing the plan being put in place to be enjoyed by my generation and many generations to come."

The statue will be 2.4-metres high and 4-metres long, and will be placed on a concrete plinth.

Chris White, managing director of Denbies, said: "I think it is a great idea that there is something on the roundabout. We're happy to go with the popular consensus and it is in keeping with the local area."

Dozens of people have left comments on the Advertiser's Facebook page about the planned statue.

Roy McNeill wrote: "Excellent choice, shows how proud we are to be part of the Olympics."

Tim Watson wrote: "Very nice. This summer will be great for Dorking."

Angela White wrote: "Brilliant, it's the best one."

An application will now be submitted to the council and it is expected to be discussed by the planning committee in April.