WATCH: Hundreds attend unveiling of Mary Anning statue in Lyme Regis

HUNDREDS gathered on Gun Cliff Walk and Long Entry in Lyme Regis for the much-anticipated unveiling of a statue of fossil hunter Mary Anning. 

The statue was unveiled on Saturday afternoon, following a long build-up of guest speakers and musical performances on a stage erected on the seafront.

They included American author Tracy Chevalier, who wrote ‘Remarkable Creatures’ based on Mary Anning’s life; historian of geology and palaeontology Hugh Torrens; earth scientist Dr Anjana Khatwa; palaeontologist, author and presenter Dr Dean Lomax; and researcher and palaeontologist Tori Herridge – all introduced by Mary Anning herself, played by actress Lizzie Hopley.

Performances also came from the Lyme Bay Moonrakers with their ‘Song for Mary’, children from Mrs Ethelston’s Primary School and singer-songwriter Iona Lane with a special song she had written inspired by the fossil hunter (as featured in the video above).

Finally, Mary was revealed by special guest, anthropologist, author and TV presenter Dr Alice Roberts, along with mum and daughter duo Anya Pearson and Evie Swire, who launched the Mary Anning Rocks campaign and raised £100,000 for the lasting tribute to Lyme Regis’ most famous daughter.

The bronze statue was created by artist Denise Dutton, and depicts Mary walking towards the beach with her basket and tools in hand and her dog Tray by her feet.