Whitby statue of lifeboat disaster survivor Henry Freeman approved

A statue honouring the sole survivor of a 19th Century lifeboat disaster is to be built in Whitby after planning permission was granted.

Henry Freeman was working his first shift when a storm hit the town on 9 February 1861. He survived thanks to an experimental cork life jacket he was wearing when the lifeboat capsized.

The statue will be built in Khyber Pass as part of an RNLI-themed garden.

North Yorkshire Council approved the plans on Monday.

The RNLI, which marks its 200th anniversary this year, said it would be "an excellent time to celebrate the town's long history of maritime lifesaving", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A spokesperson for the organisation said: "We think the sculpture would be an asset to the town, enhancing the appearance of the Khyber Pass area."

It would also "drive visitors to the RNLI museum and shop, which helps to raise money for the charity", they added.

Born in Bridlington, Mr Freeman moved to Whitby in 1855 to become a fisherman and joined the local lifeboat crew.

During the storm, 200 ships were wrecked on the coastline, according to the RNLI.

The Whitby lifeboat launched five times to rescue stricken vessels before tragedy struck on the sixth callout when a wave capsized the boat.

Mr Freeman was saved thanks to the new design of lifejacket, according to the charity, while the 12 other crew members on board drowned.

He was awarded an RNLI Silver Medal for the courage and determination he displayed, later becoming the Whitby RNLI Coxswain for more than 20 years.

The wire sculpture, which will also incorporate a charity collection box, will form part of an existing series of sculptures known as the Whitby Sculpture Trail.

The trail depicts several notable figures in homage to the heritage and history of the town.

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