PHOENIX Nights star Dave Spikey came face to face -- with his bust!

The Bolton comedian who was was voted Chorley's Face of Culture, was at the final sitting for a bronze cast of his head.

And his verdict: "I think it is fantastic. It takes years off me."

Dave, who along with Bolton's Peter Kay, has become a cult figure after the success of the Channel 4 series Phoenix Nights, in which he plays club compere Jerry St Clair, will be presented with the bust as part of his prize for winning a web poll to find the Face of Culture for Chorley. And on Wednesday he went off to the artist's studio in Mawdesley near Chorley, to meet the man who is to immortalise him.

Sculptor Mic Culshaw, aged 36, was commissioned by the council, which was keen to help profile a local artistic talent. Mr Culshaw, who is a cabinet maker by day, said he was really pleased with the work, especially as it is the first time a high-profile figure has sat for him. Dave meanwhile is not sure what he will do with the sculpture yet, although Mr Chris Mellor, Chorley's cultural development manager had a few suggestions.

He said: "As he is the face of culture it would be nice to put it somewhere prominent on public display. But hopefully it will end up with his BAFTAs and other comedy awards." The finished bust will be presented to Dave at his sell out concert at Chorley Town hall on Saturday, May 3.

Mr Mellor said: "The council wanted to find a figure who summed up the idea of culture. An alternative comedian who appears on Channel 4 was a popular option. He is keen to help out and to promote Chorley nationally and so the bust is a bit of a thank you to him. It is something Peter Kay has not got!"

Councillor Cath Hoyle, executive member for culture, sport and community development, said: "The final bust will be a great work of art and we hope Dave has been pleased it has been created by one of our best local artists in honour of one of our best comedians."

The Face of Culture arose as part of a long term council initiative to identify a cultural strategy for the town. More than 3,000 people voted online and a questionnaire was sent out to a further 700 members of the council's citizens panel. Dave Spikey faced competition from several other well-known faces with a Chorley connection. The shortlist included rugby legend Bill Beaumont, Olympic medallist Jason Queally, Everton footballer David Unsworth and Steve Pemberton, from TV's The League of Gentleman.