Putney's sculpture trail came a step closer to reality after Wandsworth Council launched six planning applications for works of art to be erected across the area.

If permission is granted, the path will be clear for eight sculptures created by local artist Alan Thornhill to be erected along a one mile stretch of the river Thames.

The sites selected by the council would follow a riverside trail starting at Leaders Gardens in Ashlone Road.

A second sculpture would be erected on the corner of Embankment and Thames Place and others would be positioned on the corner of Putney High Street and Putney Bridge Road, at Putney Wharf, in Wandsworth Park and at Riverside Quarter.

Under the plans, the nearly life-size, figurative sculptures would be displayed on plinths and two would be erected at the Putney Wharf and Wandsworth Park sites.

The project has been developed by the Putney Town Centre Partnership in co- operation with the council.

The costs will be met by the Western Riverside Environmental Fund and the council's town centre improvements programme.

Putney town centre manager Stephen Wallace said: "This is Alan Thornhill's gift to the people of Putney. It is a terrific gesture. To be able to display so many sculptures by such a respected artist represents a real coup for the town centre.

It will be a themed display of public art which will take its place as a prominent feature of Putney's rich artistic heritage."

Mayor Jim Maddan, councillor for Thamesfield, through which the trail will run, said: "Anything that raises the profile of Putney is an excellent idea. It will attract visitors to the area and will be an added focus of the riverside walk.

"We are very lucky Alan Thornhill has decided to donate these pieces of art to Putney."

John Horrocks, of the Putney Society, welcomed the news. He said: "I think it will be be a very interesting addition to the Putney riverside and will give people a good reason to walk from Beverley Brook to the mouth of the Wandle. I very much hope it will be achieved."

The Putney Society organised the placing of a sculpture by Putney Pier in 1985, effectively laying the first stone in the foundations of the trail.