A sculptor hopes the Queen's approval will lead to the creation of a national statue commemorating September 11.

Inspired by Ground Zero, Chris Miles, who lives in Brighton, created a small sculpture of three New York City firefighters, which he presented to an aide of the Queen last month.

He has now been formally thanked by Buckingham Palace and the Queen has expressed her hope a larger replica could be created.

Chris, 38, who is also known by the name Chris Millianos, said: "The Queen was very happy with the statue and would like to take up the idea of a life-size version but she doesn't have the authority to commission it.

"I am now asking the authorities in London to consider it. I thought maybe if there was a problem in London, we could do it in Brighton and Hove.

"The statue would be three men, each about 6ft tall. It would be a great honour to create the statue."

It would be made of clay and cast in bronze and Chris thinks it could be built in as little as eight weeks.

But the materials alone would cost about £25,000 and Chris would also require living expenses so he is eager for a formal commission.

The letter from Buckingham Palace, signed by the Queen's chief correspondence clerk, Deborah Bean, states: "Her Majesty is glad to receive this moving tribute to the courage of the New York Fire Department which will, of course, become of even greater interest to her should you find a suitable location for the life-size version, which you would like to make."

Chris, who is originally from New York State, hopes the Queen's support will encourage either London or Brighton and Hove to support his idea.

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokesman said: "The chief executive has passed the letter to senior colleagues in our environment department to investigate the possibilities."