A SCHEME initiated by a North-East man to provide a permanent memorial to his late sister, Victoria Wood, has now come to fruition.

The site for the statue of the popular comedienne is in Library Gardens, Silver Street, Bury – where she was brought up and went to school.

An appeal for the statue was started and sponsored by her brother, Chris Foote Wood, who lives in Barnard Castle.

The sculptor, Graham Ibbeson, was also responsible for the statue of Eric Morecambe, in Morecambe, Lancashire.

The unveiling will take place in Bury town centre tomorrow (Friday) at 2pm. The public is welcome to attend. Mr Foote Wood will be speaking at the ceremony.

Bury Art Gallery and Museum also hosts a Victoria Wood exhibition, which is open until September and free to enter.

Mr Foote-Wood said: “It’s been a long journey since I set up the first fundraising page soon after Vic died some three years ago aged 62.

“With the support of Victoria’s literary estate, my original budget of £30,000 increased to £60,000.

“Although unable to contribute financially, Bury Council with its charismatic young leader Rishi Shori has given full support to the project, supplying the perfect site and providing essential guidance and technical support.

“There will be other Wood-themed events all that weekend – a must for Victoria Wood fans.”

Mr Foote Wood added: “I am sure the statue will be just as popular with fans as the Eric Morecambe statue in Morecambe – ideal for selfies.”