HE discovered the cure for small pox and invented vaccination, and this week supporters of Edward Jenner, a forefather of modern medicine, have started a campaign to have a statue of the great doctor positioned in Trafalgar Square.

A statue of Jenner used to stand on a fifth plinth in the world famous London square, but was removed after just four years because of public protest.

The Berkeley doctor received worldwide recognition after his small pox discovery on May 14, 1796, receiving various international honours and awards including a letter from Thomas Jefferson, president of the United States.

In his home country it was not until after his death a statue, with permission of Queen Victoria and support of Prince Albert, the Prince Consort and a keen supporter of vaccination, was erected in Trafalgar Square.

The statue, paid for by world subscription, was unveiled in May 1858 on the anniversary of his birthday but sadly in 1862 the statue was removed and taken to Kensington Gardens.

According to historical records there were many people who thought a statue of a non-military character in Trafalgar Square was inappropriate.

However, with the 30th anniversary of the World Health Organisation announcing world eradication of small pox approaching, supporters of Jenner want to bring his work back to the public's attention and hopefully move his statue to its original resting place.

Sarah Parker, director of The Edward Jenner Museum in Berkeley, said: "It's such a shame that people don't seem to remember who Jenner was and his significant part in the eradication of small pox from the world.

"He gave the people, the world, vaccination and he was also at the forefront of other medical breakthroughs.

"There is a statue in Gloucester Cathedral but it just says Jenner but that's because people used to know who he was and what he had done.

"There used to be a statue of him in Trafalgar Square and that is a world known place, we need to get Jenner the same notoriety again."

There is much discussion at the moment concerning the controversial fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square, with big names from the art world competing to have work displayed there.

Miss Parker said: "I don't think many people are aware there is a statue in London and that it is hidden away in Kensington Gardens.

"There's a conversation at the moment about the fourth plinth and I thought it was an ideal time to raise awareness of Jenner.

"It would be nice to see him returned to Trafalgar and I would be happy to start a campaign for that.

"I have lots of people who would support the idea."

Fact Box Small pox accounted for 10 per cent of deaths in London during the 18th century.

Famous small pox sufferers included Queen Elizabeth I, Mozart and Queen Mary II, wife of William III who died of the disease.

On May 14, 1796 Edward Jenner made a breakthrough with a cure for small pox at his country home, The Chantry in Berkeley, now the Edward Jenner museum.

Jenner noticed that dairymaids who came into contact with cow pox were immune to small pox.

Jenner called it vaccination from the Latin vacca for cow.

The World Health Organisation finally declared the world rid of small pox in 1979 following an international eradication programme.

Three of the Trafalgar Square plinths hold statues of George IV, Henry Havelock and Sir Charles James Napier.

The column in the centre of the Square is topped by a statue of Horatio Viscount Nelson, the admiral who commanded the British Fleet at the battle of Trafalgar.