Cooper fans get a quick look, just like that!

Feb 20 2008 by Wendy Horton, South Wales Echo

Cooper fans get a quick look, just like that!

TOMMY Cooper fans have been given an unexpected sneak preview of a statue which pays tribute to him in his birthplace of Caerphilly.

The larger than life bronze statue, which stands at around eight and a half foot, arrived in town yesterday without its wraps much to the dismay of those responsible for the tribute.

The operation to site the statue on an almost five-foot high plinth overlooking the castle at the Twyn gave shoppers and visitors a glimpse of the of a two-year project by the Tommy Cooper Society.

As soon as it was put in position the statue, complete with a rabbit at Tommy’s feet, a hat and magic wand, was wrapped up with a red cloak and black tassle to depict the famous signature of the fez.

It will now be kept tightly covered until Saturday’s big day when Hollywood star Sir Anthony Hopkins unveils the tribute to his own comedy hero at noon.

After the unveiling Sir Anthony is due to take lunch with society members and VIPs in a private lunch at the castle.

Sculpture James Done, who was in Caerphilly yesterday to oversee the statue being put in position, said: “I am pleased that Tommy is finally getting the commemoration he deserves.”

wendy.horton@media wales.co.uk