A PETITION calling for a statue of 'Braintree's most famous son' to be installed in the town centre has been signed more than 1,000 times.

Hundreds of residents have signed the online petition to say they want to see a lasting tribute to The Prodigy frontman Keith Flint put in place in the town where he grew up and where the group was formed in the 90s.

Fan Dave Paris set up the online petition with his partner Saphya Gower on Sunday evening and, by 4pm yesterday (Monday), just over 1,000 people had signed it.

Dave said: "He had such an effect on me over the years - his energy and passion while he was on stage or off stage just got me.

"He was an inspiration to millions and showed that if you put your mind to it, anything is possible.

"A statue of Keith is needed to look over Braintree and carry on inspiring the people to follow their dreams.

"If Colchester can stick a statute of an elephant that no one wants on a roundabout at a huge cost then I feel Braintree should seize the opportunity to pay homage and honour its most famous son."

Keith was found dead at his home near Great Dunmow last Monday at the age of just 49.

His death prompted figures from across the music industry to pay tribute while locals recalled stories of seeing him out and about around Braintree.

Yesterday, his provisional cause of death was given as hanging at the opening of an inquest at Essex Coroners Court, in Chelmsford.

A full inquest will take place on Tuesday, July 23.

Visit you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/statue-of-keith-flint-in-braintree-town-centre to sign the petition.