Statue in memory of Spike Milligan unveiled in London

A life-sized bronze statue in memory of Irish comedian Spike Milligan was unveiled in north London today.

The memorial was organised and fundraised for by local amenity group, The Finchley Society, of which Milligan was president and patron.The writer lived in Woodside Park, Finchley for almost two decades from 1955 to 1974. Milligan created many episodes of some of his most famous works, BBC radio comedy programme 'The Goon Show' during this period as well as his television comedy sketch series 'Q..'.

The statue shows him sitting on a bench and turning as if to speak to a person on the seat with him, according to organisers.

According to The Finchley Society, fundraising for the project began in 2004 and it has some 27 patrons including many from the world of entertainment. Among the patrons listed on the Spike Milligan Statue Fund website are Michael Palin, Michael Parkinson, John Cleese and Terry Wogan as well as his children Jane, Sile and Laura Milligan.

Created by local sculptor John Somerville, it was unveiled in the grounds of Stephens' House and Gardens also known as Avalon house . Some patrons and well known figures were at the unveiling .

Milligan died in 2002 at the age of 84. Although born in west India where his father was serving in the British army, his parents were Irish and he was described as the "proud holder of an Irish passport".