FANS of Prestwich-born star Victoria Wood have helped raise almost half the cash needed to fund a life-like statue of the comedienne in Bury.

Victoria’s brother Chris Foote Wood launched the Let’s Do It campaign to raise £20,000 to pay for the permanent memorial to the celebrity, which will be sited in Library Gardens in Silver Street.

The crowdfunding page set up by Mr Foote Wood has so far raised £8,400.

He scoured Bury for potential sites when he met Bury Council leader Cllr Rishi Shori this month. And the pair decided the statue will be situated on what used to be a fountain but has more recently been used as one of the Bury in Bloom exhibits.

Mr Foote Wood, who was raised in Bury with Victoria and their two sisters, said: “I have been delighted with the response.

“It is great to be 40 per cent there, but donations have slowed down in the past week.

“If you have already given, you can still help the appeal by circulating the link to all your social-media contacts.”

It is hoped the statue will be a magnet for Victoria’s fans to visit, which could provide Bury with a fresh tourist attraction similar to the iconic Eric Morecambe statue on the promenade in Morecambe.

The appeal has so far attracted 368 supporters who have left messages of support and donated towards the target.

One supporter, Val Millman, said: “Feminists were routinely accused of having no sense of humour — and then Victoria came along and bravely and firmly dispelled this myth, for which many of us will always be grateful.”

Ann Limb posted on Facebook: “I hope you consider the same sculptor as used for the memorial to Eric Morecambe — it is the most brilliant piece of public art ever as you can see people walking around gazing at the pavement and laughing out loud. Surely it is the most fitting way for us to remember so many of Victoria Wood’s best lines.”

Hazel Gilbert said: “I grew up watching Victoria Wood and her gentile comedy about the North West. I am now moving near Bury after a gap of 34 years and will be visiting this statue.”

Mr Foote Wood said: “This would be a fitting tribute to a hugely talented writer and performer, and would be a magnet for you Victoria Wood fans to visit and have your selfies taken.”

Nearer the time, the public will be asked to vote for one of two options for the statue. Ideas so far include Victoria seated at a piano as in her famous song Let’s Do It, or in Mac and beret in her “Ave you seen ‘er?” character.

To donate, go to tinyurl.com/letsdoitforvictoria.