THE unveiling of the Victoria Wood statue was a moving and marvellous occasion for the comedian's friends, family and fans who packed Bury's Library Gardens on Friday afternoon.

The sun shone as the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band entertained the crowds beforehand with a selection of Victoria's songs.

"In our family we were brought up not to show emotions but I do think its absolutely marvellous," said Chris Foote Wood, Victoria's brother, the initiator of the project.

"It has been long and complicated. I thought it could be done in a year but it's taken three years, but better late than never.

"I guarantee it will have the same effect on Bury as the statue of Eric Morecambe has in Morecambe Bay."

In fact Graham Ibbeson, the sculptor of Victoria's statue, was also responsible for the celebrated statue of Eric Morecambe.

Leader of Bury Council, Cllr Rishi Shori, said the people of Bury would take the statue to their hearts.

The honour of unveiling the statue was given to comedian Ted Robbins who was Victoria's warm-up man from the beginning of her career.

"She was the most generous of souls, she was a shy off, we shan't see her like again," he said.

A huge round of applause greeted the unveiling

But what would Victoria have made of a statue being erected in her honour?

"Silver Street is the road she walked along to go to Bury Grammar," Mr Foote Wood said. "I imagine Victoria in ghostly form coming past her and having a good laugh at herself."