Early riser Barry helps raise £2,000 for port statue plans

BRIXHAM'S fish auctioneers have been rising bright and early to help raise money for a new statue celebrating the port's fishing heritage.

Auctioneer Barry Young spent a week selling boxes of fresh fish at the 6am fish market in aid of The Storm — a permanent sculpture commemorating fishermen in Brixham.

Thanks to Barry and the fish buyers, £2,000 was raised for FISH (Fishermen in Sculptural Heritage).

Barry, a former fisherman, said: "This money is from the fish merchants. We think the statue is a worthwhile cause and as part of the fishing industry we want to be involved."

Twenty five fish merchants helped raised the cash and were thanked by FISH chairwoman Miriam Pynn, who said: "We are so grateful for their generosity.

"It's wonderful to see so many of them supporting this statue to celebrate the fishing heritage of Brixham."

The Storm will consist of a bronze statue of two fishermen at the wheel of a fishing smack and will take pride of place at King's Quay.

It is hoped the £150,000 needed to create the statue will be raised within two years.

Earlier this month, Brixham Trawler Race organisers presented FISH with £500.

FISH secretary Ki Barnes said: "It is particularly significant Brixham Trawler Agents and the Trawler Race Association both support this statue, not only in financial terms but because it is fishing related and celebrates what is best about Brixham fishing and its people.

"FISH will now be seeking charity status and will be able to benefit by gift aid as well as being able to access other grant monies."