STEEPLEJACK Fred Dibnah's final TV journey starts on BBC2 on Tuesday night, and Bolton Civic Trust is using the programme as a push for the memorial appeal set up in his name.

Fred, who died last November from cancer, knew he was terminally ill when he filmed the new "Made in Britain" series.

The 12-part series features his travels around the country in his beloved 1912 stream traction engine which he spent 27 years restoring. Fred died a few weeks after he finished filming.

Mr Brian Tetlow, chairman of the Civic Trust, which along with the Bolton Evening News has set up an appeal for a lasting memorial to Fred, said: "As the TV series gets underway we hope Bolton's business and industrial sector will be contributing to the appeal in appreciation of Fred's unique contribution to the recognition of our proud heritage."

Mr Tetlow said the Trust was honoured to be involved in an appeal to raise funds for a memorial to the unique life's work of the town's own legend.

A statue of Fred could be incorporated in the famous glass encased Hick Hargreaves engine in Oxford Street.

Trust member Mr Bill Greenhalgh has submitted a planning application to the council, which is also backing the appeal, for the memorial.

A bank account set up for the monies stands at more than £3,000 but much more is needed, said Mr Tetlow.

Donations have been received from all over the country from Fred's devoted fans, including MP Brian Iddon.

Anyone who wants to make a contribution can fill in the coupon opposite and post it or hand it in at Lloyds TSB, Hotel Street, Bolton, or any Bolton branch of the bank.

Fred Dibnah's Made in Britain will be shown at 8.30pm on BBC2.