Keith Park statue to go up in Trafalgar Square

Keith Park statue. Photo / Supplied

London authorities have approved the erection of a statue of New Zealand airman Keith Park in Trafalgar Square.

The statue will go on the square's fourth plinth for six months from October, said English businessman Terry Smith, who has led the campaign to have the statue erected.

The City of Westminster Council approved the placement this morning, and Mr Smith told Radio New Zealand he "couldn't be more delighted".

After the Trafalgar Square stint the statue will go to a permanent site in Waterloo Place, close to New Zealand House, to coincide with next year's 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Mr Smith said Sir Keith was a remarkable man and was modest about his achievements.

Sir Keith was born in New Zealand in 1892 and served at Gallipoli and the Somme in World War 1 before becoming a pilot and shooting down 20 enemy aircraft.

In World War 2, he commanded 11 Group Fighter Command, responsible for the defence of London and southeast England during the Battle of Britain.

- NZPA