PLANS to create an iconic statue of a mythical king to hold up the third crossing over the Menai Strait have taken a step forward.

Almost 300 people signed a petition backing Benji Poulton's idea which to construct a bridge held up by a 120ft golden statue of Bendigeidfran, a giant featured in the tales of the Mabinogion.

With ideas for a third crossing between Anglesey and the mainland being discussed by the Welsh Government recently, Benji, a chartered civil-engineer from Bangor, came up with one of his own - Pont Bendigeidfran.

As a result of the response to his petition, the Government has agreed to forward the design to project consultants Aecom and Knight Architects.

Benji, 37, says he is excited by the news as he believes that the bridge can become "something truly iconic for Wales."

"It is really exciting to hear that Pont Bendigeidfran is now being seriously considered," he said.

"As well as adding resilience to the road network like the original options, this alternative proposal would bring with it many additional benefits, promoting Welsh culture around the world, and adding another ground breaking bridge to our Menai collection would also help promote tourism.

"If we are going to have a new bridge in this extraordinary landscape, then I think we need to make sure it is something a little bit special."

To convey his ideas further, Benji designed pictures to show what the bridge could look like once it has been built.

He also put together a detailed Youtube video explaining how it could benefit Anglesey and Gwynedd's economy, how much it would cost and whether or not it was likely to go ahead.

The Pont Bendigeidfran idea came about after Benji has visited a Welsh Government public consultation event.

"Most of them were large cable stayed bridges, which threatened to spoil the views of the existing grade-listed Britannia Bridge," he said.

"Their other option was a balanced cantilever bridge, which was less visually intrusive to the skyline, but wasn't exactly pretty to look at."

In the Mabinogi tale featuring Bendigeidfran, the giant crosses the seas to Ireland to save his sister, Branwen, from her husband, Martholwch. He lays himself across the water, forming a bridge so his soldiers can cross over.