BURY Council has granted planning permission to a statue of the Bury-born comedy icon Victoria Wood.

Standing two metres high, the statue will take pride of place in Bury town centre when it is unveiled in May.

The statue is understood to have been designed to encapsulate the comedian in a typical onstage pose, depicting her holding a microphone.

Bury Times:

It will be made by Graham Ibbeson, the man responsible for creating the famous Eric Morecambe monument.

Last night the council gave permission for the bronze figure to be erected in Silver Street after a campaign for the statue was started by Ms Wood's brother Chris Foote Wood in 2017.

Councillor Rishi Shori, leader of Bury Council, said: “Victoria was a wonderful comedian, actor and writer, and was much loved across Britain and the world.

"We are proud to call her one of our own, and this statue will be a fitting tribute to her talent. We look forward to unveiling the statue in mid-May and welcoming the many visitors who will come to Bury to see it.”

A multi BAFTA award-winning comedian, writer and actor, Victoria Wood was born in Prestwich and attended Bury Grammar School for Girls.

She died in April 2016 at the age of 62 from cancer.