The statue is the first of a number of projects planned for the town

A bronze statue of four dolphins jumping out of water has been erected in Barmouth by the Barmouth Resort Improvement Group (Brig).

It is the first project undertaken by the group, formed by local people to raise the town's profile.

The dolphin water feature cost �10,000, which was raised by townspeople.

Rob Williams, the town mayor and a member of Brig, said while some small projects had already been undertaken to improve some neglected areas of the town, this was the first major scheme.

The statue is intended to highlight the fact that there are dolphins in local waters, and is supported by the Sea Watch Foundation.

The end aim is to satisfy the needs of the tourists of the 21st Century Greg Courtney, Barmouth Resort Improvement Group

"We are hoping to plant 50 palm trees along the promenade over the next year and ultimately we want to light up the bridge in Barmouth," said Mr Williams.

"We are doing it to make it a better place for the people living here."

Greg Courtney, who was one of the founder members of the group, said: "This is just the first phase of the improvements.

"We want to improve the image of the town and move into the 21st Century.