A COUNTY councillor has raised £10,000 to pay for a permanent steel memorial for a former British Lightweight champion.

Councillor Eunice Huntington, who represents the people of Shotton and South Hetton on Durham County Council, commissioned royal artist Graeme Hopper, who lives near Crook, to create a 6ft steel sculpture of a pair of boxing gloves to recognise the achievement of Maurice Cullen, who was five times British Lightweight boxing champion.

Mr Cullen died in November 2001.

Cllr Huntington said: “Maurice was such a well-liked man in the community and achieved so much that I wanted to do something to acknowledge that.

"I also hope the artwork will inspire young people of today to aim for greater things. Maurice went for it and achieved the best. He was so well known and I know that his family and the community are very proud of him.”

Mr Cullen, who was managed by his brother, Terry, lost only eight of his 55 bouts in a career which spanned 1959 to 1970. He grew up in Wheatley Hill, starting work as an apprentice pipe fitter at the local colliery.

His family later moved to nearby Shotton. Mr Cullen fought in National Coal Board boxing championships winning the featherweight title and later the lightweight title.

In 1959 he turned professional and in his first professional fight, in November of that year against Ricky Mcmasters, he won on points over six rounds. During his career, Mr Cullen fought in Brazil and at the legendary New York boxing venue, Maddison Square Gardens.

Widow Joan Cullen, who married Maurice in 1968, said: “We are so proud of him and so proud that this is happening. I met Graeme and was overwhelmed by the work he has produced. It is really amazing.”

The sculpture is due to be unveiled on April 7 by Mr Cullen’s grandchildren Luke, 16, Tom, 13, and Millie, six. Mrs Cullen said: “They never met their grandfather, but they are so proud of his achievements. The boys are just like him – very fit and active.”

Cllr Huntington has spent more than two years raising the money for the artwork, and also received a £300 donation from Shotton Parish Council.

At the event there will be a display of Mr Cullen’s boxing memorabilia, including his Lonsdale belt.