The appeal has been running for just one week but already it has raised almost £2,000.

The aim is to erect a bronze statue by artist Mary Cox to mark the achievements of the Maidstone Gurkhas.

The statue, which will cost £15,000, will be erected outside Maidstone Museum.

It is hoped it will be unveiled in September to mark the 60th anniversary of the raising of the Queen’s Gurkha Engineers.

If you want to donate to the campaign,w hcih is being led by Maidstone council he Gurkha statue freepost address is: FREEPOST RRXA-AZKU-CEKR, Maidstone Trust (GT), Maidstone, ME14 5SF.

Cheques should be made payable to The Maidstone Trust Ltd.