Whitby: Sculpture of lifeboatman Henry Freeman planned

Henry Freeman, pictured wearing a cork lifejacket, was the only person to have survived the boat capsizing in 1861

A sculpture to the sole survivor of a lifeboat disaster is to be installed to celebrate 200 years of the RNLI.

Henry Freeman was a crewman aboard the boat in 1861 when it capsized.

A life-size sculpture of Mr Freeman is to be placed near the lifeboat museum in Whitby to remember the lifesaving work he did there.

"We think he would be proud of his legacy and that there is still a crew of volunteers in Whitby today," RNLI station mechanic Richard Dowson said.

The Bridlington-born fisherman-turned-lifeboatman was the only survivor as he was wearing the new style cork lifejacket.

He was awarded a silver medal for his bravery and continued to work off the Yorkshire coast.

Early plans for the sculpture show how it will be life-size and feature a replica of Mr Freeman's cork lifejacket

A commemorative garden is planned on land adjacent to the lifeboat museum in the town, celebrating two centuries of work by the RNLI.

Mr Dowson had the idea for the sculpture after seeing a trail of similar work around the town that celebrated Whitby's heritage, created by artist Emma Stothard.

It would be placed on the site of the town's first lifeboat station.

"Henry Freeman is not only a big part of the RNLI's history but the town's too. I hope people will pause at the sculpture, look across the harbour and enjoy it as a place of reflection," Mr Dowson said.

Artist Emma Stothard, left, has been working with descendent of Henry Freeman, Lesley Jackson, to create the sculpture

The sculpture, complete with clothing and cork lifejacket, would be paid for by Lesley Jackson, a descendant of Mr Freeman.

She runs a charity in his name which supports young creative people on the coast.

"I felt compelled to make this personal donation when I read about the RNLI's plans.

"How better to help celebrate the brave people who save lives at sea than by creating a permanent reminder of one of the bravest," Ms Jackson said.