A STATUE of the late Manchester United legend Duncan Edwards will be the venue for a rededication service, following a three year campaign by a Trafford man.

Family, friends and supporters from near and far are expected to make the pilgrimage to the statue of 'Busby Babe' Edwards, for a rededication service in his home town of Dudley.

The gathering will take place from 10.45am on October 1, on what would have been the former United and England star’s 79th birthday, to mark the recent relocation of his iconic statue to Dudley’s newly refurbished market place.

Among those attending will be Sale resident Brian Mulholland, who helped kickstart plans to revamp the statue.

Duncan - one of United's greatest-ever players - was one of 23 people, including eight players, who died in the Munich Air Disaster in 1958. He was 21.

Lifelong United fan Brian helped spark off the work on the statue after writing to Dudley Council about his concerns that it was in a state of disrepair.

Council chiefs promised to look at the issues - and delivered on that promise.

Brian is showing his commitment to the initiative, as he will interrupt a holiday in Spain to be at the ceremony.

He said: “The service will be a very special day in commemorating a football genius, who, had he lived, would most definitely have been hailed as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Sincere thanks go to Dudley Council for all their hard work in organising this magnificent honour.

“On a personal level, myself and two friends, together with our wives, travel to Munich every February to attend a memorial service for the Busby Babes. We are glad, as are my family and friends, that the memory of Duncan Edwards has been revered in this marvellous way.”

Duncan Edwards was among a group of rising young Manchester United players in the late 1950s, named ‘The Busby Babes’ after manager Sir Matt Busby.