A 'talking seat', which it is hoped will become a visitor attraction in Saltash, is to be commissioned by the town council at a cost of £10,000.

Doing the talking will be a life-sized statue of the town's famous 19th century figure, Ann Glanville, who will be having a permanent position on a bench in Fore Street.

At the touch of a button, Ann will speak and in broad Cornish dialect will talk about what life in Saltash was like back in her day.

The 'talking seat', thought to be the first of its kind in the country, was the idea of councillor Bob Austin.

'I have been thinking about it for a while and I am pleased the council has decided to go forward with the idea,' he said.

'It will be interesting for visitors to the town and local children to be able to sit and listen to a famous figure from the past tell about life in her times.'

The statue will be made of fibreglass and funding for its construction is to be sought from Awards For All.

Ann was born in Saltash in 1796, and has been described as a tall, strong character. She was a waterwoman on the River Tamar, ferrying people and goods, but was most famous for her skill at the oar.

Champion

She took part with her crew of Saltash women in regattas all over England and they were virtually unbeatable.

In her time, she was the world's champion female rower.

The seat project is due to go ahead in the next three months. An additional £3,000 will be allocated for maintenance.