MALVERN’S new buzzards sculpture is set to receive a royal seal of approval.

It was announced this week that the Duke of Gloucester will be visiting Rosebank Gardens next month to officially unveil the statue. The £17,500 artwork was created by renowned sculptor Walenty Pytel and installed last year.

It has been hailed as a big success and in our recent poll an overwhelming majority of Gazette readers considered it an “exciting piece of public art”.

Malvern’s mayor Coun Ian Hopwood will be holding a reception for the Duke during his visit on Tuesday, March 12.

He said: “It’s very exciting and also very fitting to have a royal guest, as the sculpture was installed to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

“I think the buzzards look fantastic and are something we should celebrate and be very proud of.”

On Wednesday evening, Malvern Town Council’s policy and resources committee agreed to spend £1,500 on a bronze plaque, mounted on a stone plinth, to commemorate the visi