It has been just over three years since much-loved comedian Victoria Wood died, following a battle with cancer.
The mother of two, founding patron of The Lowry Theatre in Salford, BAFTA winner, British Comedy Award Winner, Dinnerladies star and much more passed at the age of 62 in April 2016.
Wood was born in Prestwich and attended Bury Grammar School for Girls and next week a statue of her will be unveiled in Bury town centre.
The statue will be two-metres high and will take pride of place in Library Gardens, off Silver Street, in Bury town centre.
The statue was commissioned by Victoria's brother Chris Foote-Wood, her literary estate and members of Bury Council and will be unveiled at 2pm on Friday May 17.
The council granted planning permission for the statues at the start of the year and it will stand opposite Bury library on the grounds of an unused 1970s fountain which will be removed to make way for the statue and plinth.
Leader of Bury Council Cllr Rishi Shori said: “Victoria Wood touched the hearts of millions with her talent for comedy. That she came from Bury is an enormous sense of pride for local people, and we couldn’t be happier that Library Gardens, in the heart of our town, has been chosen as a place for this wonderful, permanent memorial to her.
Hundreds turn out to 'Victoria Wood Station' for musical tribute in memory of comedy icon
“We are hoping that along with the people closest to Victoria Wood, including her family, close friends and colleagues, her fans from Bury and beyond will come down and join us as we pay tribute to one of our own.
“The statue will not only serve as a reminder of Victoria's many achievements but I hope will also act as an inspiration to others to use their own talents.”
The sculpture has been made by sculptor Graham Ibbeson, the man responsible for creating the famous Eric Morecambe monument.
