Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has appointed sculptor Jethro Crabb to create a bronze portrait bust of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The commission marks the centenary of her birth. A small-scale model was unveiled at an event held at the Palace in Armagh.

Lord Mayor Alderman Stephen Moutray said the bust will be installed in the Primate’s Chapel early next year. The location was chosen because the 1995 ceremony granting city status to Armagh took place there.

Crabb, based in Surrey, has depicted the Queen as she appeared during her visit to Armagh on 9 March 1995. The 63 cm high bronze will stand on a limestone plinth carved from local stone and will be cast by Milwyn Foundry.

Decorative elements on the base include apple blossom, oak leaves and acorns, and two sculpted ribbons. The work is the first sculpture of a sovereign to be installed in the borough.

TUV Councillor Keith Ratcliffe said the proposal originated with his party and noted the design reflects the Queen’s 1995 visit.

The project is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and has a reported cost of £80,000.