Calls to create statue of St Felix of Burgundy in Felixstowe

Yet perhaps few in the modern day region of East Anglia, including Suffolk, would be familiar with St Felix of Burgundy - or the important role he played - despite his links to the town of Felixstowe.

Numerous churches across England are also named after him.

READ MORE: Witnesham: Clergyman calls for cigarettes to be renamed cancerettes

Retired priest Charles Mugleston is calling for a statue of ancient bishop St Felix of Burgundy to be created in Felixstowe (Image: Submitted) However, retired clergyman Charles Mugleston is hoping to change this perception by securing a statue in honour of the 7th century bishop in the town.

Mr Mugleston is hoping the statue would be installed either in Felixstowe's "Triangle" recreation space in the town centre or on the seafront and has suggested asking a Suffolk sculptor to create it - possibly Maggi Hambling, who created the well-known Scallop artwork on Aldeburgh beach.

READ MORE: Woodbridge poet known as 'Suffolk Bard' to be celebrated

The priest said the meaning of the name Felix is "happy" and therefore the statue could act as an attraction for visitors coming to the town to find happiness and healing into the town.

In addition, visitors could have their photos taken alongside the bishop, who came from the Frankish kingdom of Burgundy.

Charles Mugleston has suggested asking Suffolk sculptor and painter Maggi Hambling if she would create the statue of St Felix. She created the famous Scallop artwork on Aldeburgh beach (Image: Douglas Atfield) "From the historical viewpoint, the financial viewpoint and for business reasons and to bring the origins of Felixstowe to people's attention in an actual statue as a means of welcoming people to Felixstowe.

"Felixstowe is happy and you can have a happy time when you're here," Mr Mugleston added.

He has mooted the idea to Felixstowe Town Council, but said in the past the council had "pushed it to one side" to prioritise other matters.

READ MORE: Aldeburgh Scallop artist Maggi Hambling among Suffolk Day medal recipients

READ MORE: Artist Maggi Hambling to stage exhibition in Sudbury

But he said funding was available from a range of bodies, including the Henry Moore Foundation, named after the famous sculptor.

A depiction of St Felix. (Image: Submitted)

Felixstowe mayor David Rowe said any council funding for the sculpture of St Felix would have to come from Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds, a charge levied by local authorities on new development.

However, he said there were competing priorities for this pot of money.

"The only way we can really pay for it is with the CIL and the council is considering a number of ideas for CIL funding and we will be prioritising them in due course," Mr Rowe said.