Plans for a permanent monument to cricketing legend Freddie Trueman have won the backing of councillors.

Friends of the late Yorkshire and England fast bowler had approached Craven District Council about erecting a bronze sculpture of him in Skipton.

"Fiery" Fred, who died in July, was a long time resident of Craven. He lived in Flasby near Gargrave and was buried at Bolton Abbey.

The outspoken Tyke delivered one of his last after-dinner speeches to a packed Valley Parade banqueting suite, in Bradford, during a meal for the Lord Mayor's Appeal in February last year.

The sculpture will cost between £70,000 and £100,000 and will be paid for by public subscription with individuals, businesses and organisations contributing.

A steering group including representatives from Yorkshire Cricket Club, the district council and the town council will look at possible sites and devise a fundraising plan.

Renowned sculptor Graham Ibbeson has been approached to create the statue. His work includes the Eric Morecambe bronze in the Lancashire seaside resort.

Mr Trueman's widow, Veronica, is in favour of a tribute to her husband. She has confirmed that Skipton should be the home of the statue because it was his market town and he had many friends in the area.

Mrs Trueman will continue to be consulted on her thoughts on the siting of the sculpture.

Councillor David Ireton, chairman of Craven District Council, said he supported a monument and hoped it would be given a prominent position in the town, rather than being shrouded by stall-holders.

Born in South Yorkshire, Mr Trueman was the first cricketer to take 300 Test wickets. He was renowned for a fierce competitive spirit which struck fear into the hearts of batsmen.

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