ONE of Fred Dibnah's famous flat caps has been given pride of place at a North-west hat museum.

The cap is the one worn by the famous steeplejack on his wedding day to his third wife, Sheila, in September 1998.

The TV celebrity bought three new caps that year. But, according to Sheila, he chose this one for his big day.

Sheila said: "I had no problem with him wearing a cap for our wedding but I did insist he bought a nice, clean, new one!

The cap has been donated to Stockport's Hat Works museum on long-term loan by Fred's stepson Nathan.

The cap became a favourite for Fred, who died in November 2004, and he went on to wear it whenever he was booked for after-dinner speaking.

He also wore it at steam rallies but as the cap deteriorated, and the wear and tear began to show, it was relegated to only being worn in his workshop at home.

Debbie Smith, from the museum, said: "The cap's six good years with Fred are clearly evident from its condition and it makes for a fascinating exhibit, one in which you get a strong sense and feeling for its owner."

The cap is displayed with a signed photograph of Fred and a script of "Fred Dibnah's Age of Steam", donated by Sheila.

Donation can still be made to the Fred Didnah Appeal Fund, which is raising money for a lasting memorial next to the Hick Hargreaves steam engine in Oxford Street, Bolton town centre.

The appeal stands at £30,000.

Send donations to: The Fred Dibnah Appeal, Lloyds TSB, Hotel Street, Bolton, or to any Lloyds TSBbranch in the Bolton area.