THE statue to honour Saltcoats footballing legend Bobby Lennox will take centre stage in the town, it has been confirmed.

The hardworking committee of locals who have strived to make the dream a reality confirmed the news on Friday after the green light was given for the Countess Street location to be home to the statue.

The committee expressed their delight and told the Herald: “We are extremely happy to have the sit e confirmed, something that has took a lot of time, consideration and involved the local community.

“We can’t thank everyone that has made this happen enough, support has been tremendous.

“The unveiling date is still to be confirmed, but we are looking forward to showing everyone we are proud of local people’s achievements, and hope this inspires young footballers and kids in general to strive towards their goals.”

The main man himself was down at the site on Monday afternoon and photographer John Keachie captured the real life Bobby where the statue will be very soon.

Bobby, as humble as ever, said: “I’m really grateful and feel very overwhelmed by the local community, I was born just further down the road so the site holds sentimental values.”

Months of hard work and dedication from the committee have meantthatthe statue is now close to being unveiled and local councillor Jean McClung expressed her delight at the news.

She said: “I believe that this statue will be a real asset to Saltcoats and North Ayrshire. It is anticipated that visitors from all over the country, and indeed the world, will come to Saltcoats to see the statue, providing a much-needed revival of tourism in the town. A spot just across from the railway station would obviously be the perfect place for the statue to greet those who have come to have photographs taken with their hero.

“My personal thanks goes to the dedicated members of the committee, in particular Stewart Nixon, Dean McMillan, Mark McClure and Caroline McKenna, who have gifted this statue to the town and people of Saltcoats.”