CHORLEY'S Face of Culture Dave Spikey is to be presented with a familiar face when his tour comes to the town.

A bronze bust of the comedian, best known for his role in Phoenix Nights, has been commissioned by Chorley Borough Council, and it will be presented to Spikey on Saturday, May 3, during his sell out concert at Chorley Town Hall.

The bust is part of Spikey's prize for winning a web poll to find the Face of Culture for the town.

More than 3,000 people voted online and a questionnaire was sent out to a further 700 members of the council's citizens panel.

Dave Spikey faced competition from several other well-known faces with a Chorley connection.

The shortlist included rugby legend Bill Beaumont, Olympic medallist Jason Queally, Everton footballer David Unsworth and Steve Pemberton, of The League of Gentleman fame.

Chorley Borough Council's cultural development manager Chris Mellor said: "He won by a mile."

Mawdesley sculptor Mic Culshaw, 36, was commissioned by the council, which was keen to help profile a local artistic talent.

Mr Culshaw, who is a cabinet-maker by day, said he is really pleased with the work, especially as it is the first time a high-profile figure has sat for him.

Dave Spikey said: "I think it is fantastic, it takes years off me!"

He is not sure what he will do with the sculpture yet, although Mr Mellor had a few suggestions.

He said: "As he is the face of culture it would be nice to put it somewhere prominent on public display."

He added: "But hopefully it will end up with his BAFTAs and other comedy awards."

Councillor Cath Hoyle, executive member for culture, sport and community development, said: "The final bust will be a great work of art and we hope Dave has been pleased it has been created by one of our best local artists in honour of one of our best comedians." The Face of Culture arose as part of a long term council initiative to identify a cultural strategy for the town.

Mr Mellor said the council wanted to find a figure who summed up the idea of culture.

He said: "An alternative comedian who appears on Channel 4 was a popular option."

Mr Mellor said of Spikey: "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!"