A weekly newspaper has started a ‘cockfight’ to champion its town’s cockerel after the launch of a new bird sculpture in London.

The Dorking Advertiser has hit back to defend its town’s famous rooster as the best, after a giant blue cockerel was installed on the fourth plinth at Trafalgar Square last week.

Following the unveiling of the 15.4ft London sculpture, which is called Hahn/Cock, the Advertiser leapt into action to publish a story on their website praising their own 10ft metal cockerel.

The web story also includes a picture gallery of the Dorking Cock, which was launched in 2007 at a roundabout in the town and represents the five-toed Dorking variety of chicken.

Advertiser news editor David Blackmore said: “After seeing the wannabe rooster unveiled at Trafalgar Square, our team were keen to again move quickly to champion our world-famous cockerel.

“Our metal cockerel was placed on a roundabout on the edge of our town in February 2007 and has proudly welcomed motorists to our wonderful town ever since.

“It is one of our town’s most iconic landmarks and regularly brings a smile to the faces of motorists with new outfits made by the town’s guerrilla knitters.

“Only the other week we ran a story about guerrilla knitters in Greece who spruced up a popular holiday resort by crocheting trees after being inspired by the work of Dorking’s Knit n Natter group in decorating the Dorking cock.

“To us, our cockerel still rules the roost over this johnny-come-lately and we will continue to crow about our famous mascot.”

The title hopes its online story will spark debate across the south east and further afield and it is now planning its coverage for the paper.