Plans for the construction of a new 65m (213ft) Welsh dragon landmark on a site between Llangollen and Wrexham, North Wales, have been unveiled by a local entrepreneur.
Businessman Simon Wingett is behind the Waking the Dragon project, which is designed to act as a "cultural gateway" to the region and comprises a 25m (82ft) bronze dragon sculpture sitting on top of a 40m (131ft) tower.
Surrounded by a landscape of informal pathways and woodland, the scheme also includes a cultural centre comprising an art gallery, a 100-seat café/bar and a 125-seat Mabinogion destination restuarant.
Education and learning space and language study facilities also form part of Wingett's proposals, which are expected to cost £6m and could also include a new museum. Funding would be provided by charitable donations, investor finance and the purchase of steps within the tower.
Wingett said: "Waking the Dragon is set to become a cultural icon for North Wales in the way the Statue of Liberty is for America. We see it very much as an eight wonder of Wales."
Wrexham Borough Council leader Aled Roberts added: "The dragon project will not only celebrate our unique heritage and culture, it will also boost the local economy with the creation of local jobs and draw in a huge number of tourists who will spend their money locally."
Takings from the attraction, which is set to be taller than the 20m (65ft) Angel of the North and the proposed 50m (164ft) white horse sculpture in Kent, will be donated to the Frank Wingett Cancer Appeal.
