TO generations of Teessiders, the late Wilf Mannion was an icon.

It was a week ago yesterday that the region said a final farewell to the unassuming legend, who starred for England and Middlesbrough.

Wilf, who died earlier this month aged 81, was still held in great affection by fans 40 years after quitting the game.

Today, our sister newspaper, The Northern Echo, kicks off an appeal to raise funds for a lasting memorial to the "Golden Boy" of 1950s football.

The idea has received widespread support from Wilf Mannion's family and his friends.

As well erecting a statue, another suggestion is that a football scholarship for youngsters be established in Wilf's memory.

Anthea Walker, Wilf's youngest daughter, said of the idea of a lasting tribute: "That would be splendid - it's a lovely idea."

David Walsh, leader of Redcar and Cleveland council, said: "Wilf was born in the borough, lived in the borough and died in the borough. The idea of a lasting tribute in the form of a scholarship for local youngsters would be the very essence of what Wilf stood for."

Readers who support our goal should send a cheque or crossed postal order to: The Wilf Mannion Memorial Appeal, The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 1NF.