Dibnah tribute towers over town

A bronze statue of Fred Dibnah, the Bolton steeplejack famous for knocking chimneys down, has been unveiled.

Mr Dibnah, who became well known after he featured in a BBC documentary, died from cancer aged 66 in 2004.

The 8ft (2.4m) monument, which stands on a plinth on Oxford Street, was unveiled by the Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Barbara Ronson.

Sculptor Jane Robbins said: "I wanted a statue that people recognise and would instantly say: 'That's Fred'."

Fundraising helped pay for the tribute, which attracted hundreds of people for the unveiling on Tuesday.

Mr Dibnah, a father-of-six, started work as a joiner but after National Service fulfilled his dream to be a steeplejack in his home town.

His television career took off when he was in his early 40s and starred in the BBC TV documentary, Fred Dibnah Steeplejack.

Mr Dibnah was a great admirer of the Industrial Revolution and the Victorians - steam engines were his greatest passion.

He was made an MBE in 2003, a year after he demolished his last chimney stack.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Fred Dibnah Memorial
Fred Dibnah profile
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