A group behind plans to erect a statue of legendary pilot Amy Johnson on Herne Bay seafront is calling on people to donate before it’s too late.

Flying star Amy Johnson was 37 when she crashed off the coast of the town in 1941, eleven years after becoming the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia.

Former law courts administrator Jane Priston is behind the commemorative project, which she hopes will raise Johnson’s profile.

But the mother-of-three, who became inspired after reading a biography of Johnson, needs to raise £18,000 to build the statue and is calling on the people of Herne Bay to donate.

A 50cm maquette of the statue was finished last week, and Mrs Priston hopes the life-size version will be unveiled next year to mark 75 years since Johnson’s death.

She said: “This is my big push. If we don’t get the bronze up it would be such a crying shame because that’s when I think it will really put Herne Bay on the map.

“We will miss a huge marketing potential and the international interest of those following Amy’s story.

“A lot of people have said that is unrealistic, but I certainly believe we will achieve this next year – we just need to find the money.”

Johnson’s Airspeed Oxford plane disappeared off the Herne Bay coast on January 5, 1941.

Her body was never found and – as she was way off course when she vanished – theories range from her running out of fuel after getting lost to her being on a secret mission.

Mrs Priston, of Buller’s Avenue, hopes the people of Herne Bay will donate the thousands of pounds needed.

She hopes to raise a total of £25,000 to help with the unveiling of the statue near the Bandstand.

The group need £3,000 by the end of January so that the sculptor can get to work and make sure the statue is ready.

Mrs Priston, 43, added: “We are a great town and we deserve all that recognition it will bring if we can do it next year.

“Amy’s family fully support the statue.

“They have seen the maquette and they think it’s wonderful; they are fully behind it.
“Every bit of funding will help towards the bronze.

“It’s all there and the bronze can be done, but the town needs to get behind it and we need that determination and drive.”

Any local businesses, groups, or volunteers who want to help the project can contact Jane via the www.amyjohnsonhernebay.com website.