AN artist has been commissioned to produce the Bobby Ball statue - a tribute to the Oldham-born comic.

London based figurative sculptor, Ben Twiston-Davies, was unanimously chosen to produce the artwork to commemorate the life of the British comedian, actor and TV host who died last year aged 76.

Ben was chosen from among four submissions by representatives from Bobby Ball’s family, the council and the Lowther Gardens Lytham Trust.

He has worked as a sculptor for more than 20 years and produced the Agatha Christie memorial and a bronze statue of Ebenezer Howard, the founder of the Garden City movement, which was installed in April 2021.

The life size bronze statue of Bobby will be located in Lowther Gardens close to the theatre.

The design of the statue will portray Bobby based on his 40th birthday appearance with a ‘twinkle in his eye’, one leg slightly forward and slightly pulling on his right brace with his right thumb.

Cllr Karen Buckley, who is the leader at Fylde Council, said: “Bobby was a very special, incredibly talented and unique individual who was truly adopted by the locals of Lytham St Annes.

The Oldham Times: Cannon and Ball

DUO: Bobby Ball with his sidekick Tommy Cannon

“His lasting legacy of kindness and joy means he will be sadly missed and this statue will ensure he can go on giving that joy to visitors and residents of the area long after Bobby took his final bow and left the stage.”

Bobby was a patron of Lowther Pavilion and had performed at the venue many times, including the staging of the first play he wrote, ‘Rock Off Tommy’, seven years ago, that he performed with local community group Fylde Coast Players.