The sculpture is being cast in bronze at Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant

The �125,000 statue of the Welsh rebel leader was due to be unveiled at a ceremony in Corwen in July.

The studio creating the statue's bronze artwork has been told that its base, made from granite found in China and India, was lost in a monsoon.

The unveiling has been postponed while alternative arrangements are made.

One of the key figures in Welsh history, Glyndwr took his name from the Dee Valley in which Corwen is situated.

Glyndwr managed to take control of the whole of Wales and held a parliament in Machynlleth in Powys, but was eventually defeated by English forces.

The monsoon is not the first set back to hit the three-year campaign for the memorial in his ancestral home.

A lot of people are very interested in Owain Glyndwr and this statue will be spectacular Adrian Roberts, Corwen Town partnership

Bad weather has already delayed delivery of the plinth's stone to the port of Xiamen on China's south east coast, from where it was due to be shipped to the UK.

Claire Livingstone, from the Colin Spofforth Studio, commissioned to create the bronze statue, said they heard of the latest setback on Monday.

She added: "We can hardly believe it.

"From what we've been told the plinth was on the back of a lorry which was being driven along a primitive road in the quarry when it was swept into a 30ft (9.1m) ravine.

"We don't know what happened to the driver, but we've been told that the plinth and the lorry are irretrievable."

Sculptor Colin Spofforth with the mould of the statue

Arrangements are being made to cut a fresh piece of granite - known as South African grey - which had been specially selected for its colour to complement the bronze.

"We're looking at various options," added Ms Livingstone.

"We understand that the only other source for this type of granite is India, but we're hoping we'll be able to get another piece from China in the next few weeks."

The sculpture has been cast in bronze at a foundry at Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant, where it is due to be completed shortly.

The old statue was removed from the square in Corwen earlier this year, in readiness for its replacement to be installed. It was due to be unveiled on 4 July.

Corwen Town Partnership, which is behind the project, now hopes the unveiling will take place on 16 September - the anniversary of the day that Glyndwr was proclaimed the first Prince of Wales in 1400.

'Wow factor'

Committee member Adrian Roberts said: "It's a bit of a blow, but we can't do much about it.

"We'd hoped to have the unveiling to coincide with the main tourist season. It's a shame we'll miss that, but it will be a big attraction.

"A lot of people are very interested in Owain Glyndwr and this statue will be spectacular.

"We're hoping to create the 'wow' factor."