THE Frank Sidebottom Statue in Timperley is in need of back-up to cheer on runners at the Greater Manchester Marathon on Sunday, April 19.

The chairman of the Frank Sidebottom Statue, Neil Taylor, is appealing for volunteers to come down to the statue during the marathon after the planned entertainment had to pull out.

The landmark, commemorating Chris Sievey’s comic creation, is being used as an official marker for the marathon, and Neil explained how the statue became part of the event.

“They have official marker places around the whole Manchester Marathon with many people doing different things, just to cheer on and give the runners a morale booster.

“It was actually the Manchester Marathon who approached us because the statue is such a landmark now.”

Neil is appealing for anyone who can add some sparkle to the day to come down, from musicians to jugglers to people in fancy dress.

He added: “We have a backdrop; the Manchester fire brigade has a stage truck, so we are definitely putting something on but we are obviously hoping for something a bit livelier.

“On the day we will be a bit silly with a few things, I will be in costume along with other people and we have our own papier-mâché heads.”

The spot was an official marker last year, and Neil is hoping to build on that success as several runners stopped to take selfies with the statue and give Frank a high-five.