Les Dawson statue given go-ahead

The statue will show the comedian in a standing pose

Plans to erect a bronze statue of comedy legend Les Dawson in his Lancashire home town have finally been given the go-ahead.

Concerns from some residents in St Annes had put the future of the £60,000 sculpture in doubt.

But this morning Fylde Borough Council voted in favour of the proposed site for the monument.

The 6ft (1.8m) statue will be placed in the ornamental garden, just off St Anne's promenade.

Plans for the statue were originally raised in early 2007 but the council have struggled to get the backing of locals living near to the sunken gardens site.

They received a series of complaints, including fears that the statue would stare into people's homes.

Mr Dawson lived in St Annes with his wife Tracy and daughter Charlotte before his death in 1993.

The Manchester-born performer will not be the only famous face immortalised. Fylde Council have also announced plans to create a "garden of fame", to honour other entertainers from the town.

Details of who will be inducted we be revealed at a gala dinner at Blackpool Football Club on 23 October, after which the statue of Les will be unveiled.

The statue has been designed by sculptor Graham Ibbeson, who created the iconic tribute to Eric Morecambe on the seafront in Morecambe.