A statue of cricket legend Freddie Trueman looks set to be placed in Skipton’s canal basin.

The life-sized bronze of the Yorkshire and England cricketer – believed to cost around £90,000 – was to be placed outside Skipton Town Hall. But, last week, Craven District Council’s policy committee agreed the statue could go on council-owned land at the canal basin.

Council leader Coun Chris Knowles-Fitton (Cons) said after the meeting it was right that Craven acknowledged one of the sport’s legends.

“Fred Trueman was one of the nation’s cricket greats and holds a special place in the hearts of many Craven residents,” he said.

“It is entirely fitting we recognise his achievements and celebrate his memory in the heart of Craven where he had so many friends.”

The Fred Trueman Statue Appeal was set up in 2007 by Northern Rail, Craven District Council and Fred’s widow, Veronica.

The statue shows “Fiery” Fred in action and has been created by sculptor Graham Ibbeson, who has also created bronzes of Eric Morecambe and Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.

Craven District Council, as well as donating the land, has given £15,000, with the rest of the money coming from the appeal and the sale of a maquette – a miniature version of the statue – which will go on display at a new cricket museum at Headingley.

Jim Cadman, chairman of the Fred Trueman Statue Appeal, said the Canal Basin was its preferred site.

“We believe it is a wonderful setting and is one that should prove to be a major attraction in Skipton for local residents, tourists and cricket lovers alike,” he said.

Freddie had lived near Gargrave since 1970 and died in 2006 at the age of 75. It is believed that he wished any memorial should be sited in Skipton.

The appeal group is producing a tribute magazine in the New Year with contributions from sporting celebrities including Geoffrey Boycott, Ian Botham, Dickie Bird and Ray Illingworth.

“The magazine will contain a pictorial spread that highlights the tourist attractions of Skipton and the Yorkshire Dales,” said Mr Cadman.

The statue will travel from the foundry in London in March, calling at Lords Cricket Ground and Headingley before arriving in Skipton for its unveiling on March 17.

Mr Cadman said: “Based on what has been achieved to date, we believe that the statue will not only create a legacy for Freddie Trueman in Skipton, but it will also promote tourism to the benefit of the community in Skipton and the Yorkshire Dales for many years to come.”

A Freddie Trueman Tribute Dinner is due to be held at the Queens Hotel, Leeds, on March 17. Guests will have the opportunity to meet legendary Yorkshire players including Brian Close, Ray Illingworth, Geoffrey Boycott, Dickie Bird and Bryan Stott.

Planning permission for the statue’s proposed position is due to be decided early next year.