WORKERS from an East Lancashire firm were today helping to pay tribute to a soccer legend.

Specialist wrought iron company B Rourke was asked to produce a giant set of memorial gates for Anfield as part of a tribute to the late Bob Paisley, the former Liverpool FC manager.

The 20ft gates, which weigh four-and-a-half tonnes, were due to be opened with a special key by Bob's widow Jessie at a ceremony today.

As part of the four-month contract the Burnley firm, which employs 100 people, also produced a bronze bust of Bob.

"One my lads Jim Cooper modelled it in clay before the final bust was produced," explained company boss Brian Rourke. "We worked closely with Jessie to make sure it looked as close to Bob as possible. She had the final say on the bust and asked us to alter Bob's smile a little before the final cast. I think Jim has achieved an excellent likeness."

Brian and five of his staff were travelling to Anfield today for the unveiling ceremony in front of hundreds of Liverpool fans at the Spion Kop end of the ground.

But Brian will be keeping quiet about his own footballing allegiance - he's a mad keen Manchester United fan!

His firm is involved in many major ironwork projects and is now one of Europe's largest specialists. It has recently completed a two-tonne rope sculpture for Bridgwater in Somerset and is currently producing fencing for a Princess Diana memorial garden.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.