VICTORIA Wood fans can have a permanent reminder of the Bury-born comedy icon.

A memorial statue of Victoria is due to be unveiled in her hometown in May, and to help fund it a limited edition run of 40 scale sculptures have gone on sale.

The scale models cost £1,500 and will be cast in bronze and mounted on a green slate base. They will have a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist, Graham Ibbeson, and will be delivered in a presentation box.

Mr Ibbeson was selected to design and sculpt the life size bronze statue of Victoria. She was a great admirer of his work – especially his sculpture of Eric Morecambe –so Bury Council commissioned him with the blessing of Victoria's family and Literary Estate.

More than £20,000 has already been raised to part fund the sculpture from public donations. Further donations can be made via this JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/VictoriaWood

Mr Ibbeson said: “I’m excited that we’ll be giving people an opportunity to own their own limited-edition scale sculpture, whilst also helping to fund the Memorial Statue.”

He added: “I got the particular pose from watching ‘An Audience With Victoria Wood’ which aired in 1988, I’ve tried to show her enjoying the applause, and the laughter. I hope that they will reflect the nation’s affection (and indeed mine) for her unique talent."

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.

Sculptures can be purchased from https://www.bury.gov.uk/vic or from the Bury Art Museum Shop.