A TRIBUTE to one of Ulverston’s most famous sons was revealed before an expectant crowd of more than 2,000 people yesterday (Sunday).

When comedian Ken Dodd unveiled a bronze statue of Laurel and Hardy by Graham Ibbeson it marked the culmination of 17 years of hard work and fundraising on the part of local people and dedicated fans from around the world.

The statue is located in County Square at the entrance of the Coronation Hall, where in 1947 Ulverston-born hero Stan Laurel and his larger-than-life companion Oliver Hardy delighted crowds from the first floor balcony.

Marion Grave, curator of the Laurel and Hardy Museum on Brook Street. “I can’t believe it has happened. It has been a great day. The sun is shining and I think Ken Dodd was the perfect person to unveil the statue.”

The international Laurel and Hardy appreciation society, The Sons of the Desert raised the £60,000 needed to commission the statue, which is part of a wider scheme to enhance County Square.

For a full report and pictures of the event see this week’s The Westmorland Gazette.

For footage of the unveiling ceremony visit the video section.