FAMILY, friends and supporters from near and far are expected to make the pilgrimage to the statue of one of Dudley’s favourite sons - the late football legend Duncan Edwards - for a rededication service in the town centre.

The gathering, which will mark the relocation of the iconic statue to the town's newly refurbished market place, will take place on Thursday (October 1) from 10.45am, on what would have been the former Manchester United and England star’s 79th birthday.

Mixing both commemoration of Duncan’s achievements and celebration of today’s talent, the service will kick off with a delegation of Duncan’s relatives departing from the nearby council house on Priory Road.

The proceedings will start with music from local performers who will make way for a dazzling, gravity-defying exhibition of footballing skills, set to music, by freestyler Colin Neil.

The Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Steve Waltho, will then take centre stage to deliver a welcoming address before Rev Andrew Wickens, of St James Vicarage, Dudley, leads a floral tribute and two minutes of silence.

Cllr Waltho said: “Although so many years have gone by since Duncan died, he remains such a popular figure.

"We remain so proud of the fact that he came from Dudley and went on to achieve so much in his short life.

"There’s great poignancy for us in celebrating an icon of our past with his statue taking pride of place in our refurbished market place.”

Duncan Edwards was among a group of rising young Manchester United players in the late 1950s, named ‘The Busby Babes’ after manager Sir Matt Busby.

The 21-year-old was among the players and staff who died in February 1958 when the aeroplane that was carrying them from a match crashed in Munich.

Brian Mulholland of the Manchester United Supporters’ Club, added: “The service will be a very special day in commemorating a football genius, who, had he lived, would most definitely have been hailed as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Sincere thanks go to Dudley Council for all their hard work in organising this magnificent honour.

“On a personal level, myself and two friends, together with our wives, travel to Munich every February to attend a memorial service for the Busby Babes. We are glad, as are my family and friends, that the memory of Duncan Edwards has been revered in this marvellous way.”

During the ceremony, New Street will be closed between between Tower Street and Castle Street from 11.15am until 12noon and Castle Street will also shut between New Street and Fisher Street.

Diversions will be in place and the junction of Castle Street and Fisher Street will remain open as normal.