FISHERMEN are planning a park memorial to late, great angler Benny Ashurst.

Leigh and District Anglers hope to erect a plaque at the Firs Lake edge where, in June, Benny spent his last days with friends.

Father of ex-world champion, Kevin, the former miner, of Firs Lane, Leigh, was fishing the water only hours before his shock death at the age of 88.

The country's first maggot breeder, he opened a farm on Astley Moss in the Sixties which is flourishing today, and was also known worldwide for his inventions which have helped the angling fraternity.

It is hoped that top angler Bob Nudd will be at a commemorative service along with one of Benny's pals, Bill Hughes.

Pleasure angler Cllr Brian Thomas said he had approached the council's parks manager, Andrew Howarth, and that there would be no objections.

He said: "It would be fitting to remember Benny with a rock containing a memorial plaque at the water's edge."