A BRONZE statue of Leigh Centurions legend John Woods is set to be unveiled in September after more than £25,000 has been raised for the special tribute to who many regard as the best player in the club's history.

Fundraising efforts and donations have poured in since residents and other former players championed the idea of having a statue of the great man at the home of the Centurions last year.

Just £5,000 more is needed to fund the 30ft statue of the club's former player and coach and organisers are confident that the £30,000 target sum will be reached in time for a grand unveiling at Leigh Sports Centre that will coincide with Woody's 60th birthday in September.

Jason Donohue, 44, who lives in Leigh and played in 93 games for the Centurions after making his debut in 1989, is part of a committee leading the fundraising efforts for Woody's statue.

He said: “John is a sporting legend in the town. This idea came from the community and we are proud to be so close to our target.

“A clay model of the final design has been made and John has given it the thumbs up.

"It should all be sorted for some point in September to coincide with John’s 60th birthday."

Woody scored 2,492 points for Leigh when he starred for the club in the 1970s and 80s.

Jason added: "All of Leigh remember him for his skill and he deserves this tribute.

"So many people in the community have worked together to get us to this point.

“On behalf of the committee I would like to thank everyone who has raised money and donated, as well as those who have donated supplies to make the statue possible, including the council members who have backed this idea.

"A special thank you also needs to go to everyone at Leigh Sports Village for their continued support.”

To find out more search for 'Woody's statue' on Facebook.