Spikey immortalised in bronze

Phoenix Nights star Dave Spikey has been immortalised in a bronze bust.

The cast celebrates his being named the Face Of Culture for his home town, Chorley in Lancashire.

At the final sitting, he said: "I think it is fantastic. It takes years off me."

The cast will be presented to Spikey at his sell-out concert in the town next Saturday.

Spikey was named the Face Of Culture after topping an online poll of 3,000 people by a wide margin. Other contenders included rugby legend Bill Beaumont and Steve Pemberton, from The League of Gentleman.

Chorley's cultural development manager Chris Mellor told the Bolton Evening News: "As he is the face of culture it would be nice to put it somewhere prominent on public display.

"The council wanted to find a figure who summed up the idea of culture. An alternative comedian who appears on Channel 4 was a popular option.

"He is keen to help out and to promote Chorley nationally and so the bust is a bit of a thank you to him. It is something Peter Kay has not got!"

Published: 25 Apr 2003