‘All you need is love’ – that’s the name of a new sculpture which has been unveiled in Dorchester.

Residents gathered opposite the war memorial on Saturday to see the completed sculpture for the first time.

Mike Chapman was commissioned to create the piece of art having created a similar one in Lübbecke, Germany, which is Dorchester’s twin town.

The statue marks 100 years since the end of the First World War.

It was carved from local Portland stone and stands on a stainless-steel plinth at 1.6m high.

The unveiling began with a cry from town crier Alistair Chisholm. He spoke of the ‘war to end all wars’, and how we still have conflict today. He said the new sculpture represents moving towards a brighter future.

There was then a speech from the Mayor of Dorchester David Taylor, welcoming visitors.

He thanked Mr Chapman for the new statue and added: “I hope we can enjoy it for many years to come.”

He added: “It’s fantastic to have a concept like this in the centre of Dorchester, 100 years since the end of the First World War.

“It represents the caring and sharing community of the town.”

Mr Chapman said: “I’m always nervous because you never know what people will think.

“I completed a statue similar to this in Lübbecke and it went down really well, so I suggested it would be a nice idea if we had one here.

“And here we are, thanks to Tess and the good people of the council.

“It’s an important thing right now with so much sadness and hurting in the world, anything to do with peace and love can’t be a bad thing.

“ I don’t see it in opposition to the war memorial but something which compliments it.

“I hope we can find a more peaceful world one day and that’s what this is all about.”

After unveiling of the statue, singers from Viva! Woman’s Choir and Poundbury’s Heart and soul Choir sang ‘All you need is love’ by The Beatles.

Tess James, Chairman of Dorchester Lübbecke Society, said: “It’s absolutely great and what a good place to have it.

“It will be seen by both drivers and people walking towards Brewery Square.

“It’s been nice to share something with Lübbecke and remember why we have the twinning society to foster new friendships and peace.”