The family of one of Bolton's favourite sons has confirmed Fred's final resting place in Tonge Cemetery will be adorned with a headstone and tribute later this year.

And proposals for a statue of Fred in the town centre are gathering pace with a planning application expected to be submitted to Bolton Council on Monday.

The plan is to incorporate a memorial to Fred in the glass case which currently features a Hick Hargreaves steam engine in Oxford Street.

Visitors to the cemetery have told of their surprise that the grave appears to be overgrown and unkempt.

But, as is the case with many graves, Fred's family have to wait until August before the soil settles and a headstone can be put in place.

Bill Greenhalgh, a retired architect and a close friend of the steeplejack, has been asked by Fred's children to design the stone.

He said that the design of the gravestone would reflect Fred's love of his trade, as well as steam engines.

Mr Greenhalgh said: "Fred's grave hasn't been neglected by his family. We knew we would have to wait nine months to put a stone in place.

"It has not been designed yet and the ground is still not sufficient to support the weight of a stone."

Hundreds of mourners attended Fred's funeral last November and processed to the cemetery for the burial. Lorna, Jane and Caroline, Fred's daughters, and his two young sons, Jack and Roger, who are now living in the Isle of Man, have been involved in suggestions about the style of gravestone.

Bill Richards, a lifelong friend of Fred's, and the executor of his estate, said: "The grave will look nice when it's finished.

"It certainly won't be left in its present condition and discussions with Fred's children have been ongoing."

Donations to the Fred Dibnah Memorial Appeal can be made at any Lloyds TSB branch in Bolton.

Fred Dibnah Tributes