A statue of the late comedian Victoria Wood will be built in her hometown of Bury, Lancashire. Council bosses met with Victoria's brother Chris Foote Wood to discuss plans for a permanent tribute to the star.
Chris has set up a crowdfunding site dedicated to the Victoria Wood Memorial. A total of £20,000 is needed to cover the costs of the statue; so far just over £5,000 has been raised.
"My idea is to have a lifelike statue of Victoria, either seated at the piano ('Let's Do It!') or as Kimberley's friend in mac and beret ('Ave you seen 'er?' sketch), but the final form will be decided by a public vote from a short list of ideas," explained Chris.
© Photo: Getty ImagesVictoria Wood passed away in April
"Hopefully we can find a suitable site in the town centre with the help of Bury Council which has already expressed support," he added.
The statue would be the "perfect magnet" for Victoria's fans to come and take selfies and pay tribute to the late comedian. It's been reported that the statue will be built in Library Gardens in Bury's town centre, where there used to be a fountain.
Council leader Rishi Shori said: "Victoria was a national treasure and a major talent in a variety of areas – actor, writer, comedian and singer-songwriter.
"We feel it's only right that there should be a fitting tribute to her in the borough in which she was born."
© Photo: PAHer brother Chris Foote Wood has set up a crowdfunding site to raise money for a statue
Victoria sadly passed away in April at the age of 62. Her publicist confirmed that she died "after a short but brave battle with cancer". She was surrounded by her family in her north London home.
Victoria had a successful career spanning more than four decades, and was known for her outstanding performances in British comedies including Dinnerladies and Victoria Wood As Seen on TV.
She rose to fame in 1974 after appearing on TV talent show New Faces, but her big break came two years later when she starred in BBC's That's Life!
Her long-term collaborations with friend Julie Walters were also a big part of Victoria's career, during which she won multiple awards.
She was laid to rest in a service "full of laughter" in May, with family and friends including Julie in attendance.
