Trafalgar Sq may get Mandela statue

A statue of Nelson Mandela could be erected in Trafalgar Square, it emerged today.

Advisers to Mayor Ken Livingstone have met officials from South Africa House and anti-apartheid campaigners with a view to erecting a statue of the former South African president to tie in with the pedestrianisation of the area.

The statue is likely to be placed outside South Africa House, on the east side of the square, not on the vacant fourth plinth.

Wendy Woods, widow of South African journalist Donald Woods, is involved in the project along with Lord Attenborough. Mr Woods was played by Kevin Kline in Lord Attenborough's film Cry Freedom, the story of black activist Steve Biko.

A spokesman for the Mayor said: "A statue of Mandela is being considered for Trafalgar Square."

Last year Mr Mandela was guest of honour at the South Africa Freedom Day concert, a gift from the South African government to the British people for their role in overthrowing apartheid.