THE statue to honour Timperley funnyman Frank Sidebottom could be in position on April 1.

Councillor Neil Taylor, a leading spokesman for the campaign to build a lasting memorial to the much loved entertainer said the aim is to unveil it on Frank’s birthday.

Campaigners currently need to raise a further £2,000 to turn their dream into reality and the final fundraising push takes place in December when a Frank-themed Christmas party takes place in Manchester city centre. The location is to be confirmed.

He said: “Tickets are going to be £11.37 because Frank Sidebottom always held his meetings and did his deals at 11.37.”

The statue has been designed by the leading sculptor Colin Spofforth and will be turned into a life-size bronze creation at a foundry in Poland. This cheaper change of plan has speeded up the creative process and the finished statue will cost £20,000.

He said Trafford council has agreed a location for the monument to mirth - the paved area in front of where Sainsbury’s will be built in Timperley Village. A planning application will be submitted to the local authority within the next fortnight.

Neil said he has been very impressed by the way the appeal has captured the imagination of Frank Sidebottom fans.

He said: “Fans of Frank Sidebottom are the best people in the world. They are so loyal to the cause.”

Caption - Colin Spofforth’s Frank Sidebottom statue.

* Anyone interested in finding out more about the Frank Sidebottom Statue Appeal should visit www.franksidebottom.org.uk