A STATUE of Dudley’s much-loved football hero Duncan Edwards is now back in its rightful place - the town centre.

It was returned to the market place yesterday (Thursday) after being held in storage while the town centre underwent a £6.7million revamp.

But the statue of one of Dudley's favourite sons now has a more prominent location, near the top of New Street, where the now-demolished toilet blocks had been.

Hundreds of the former Manchester United and England's players family, friends and supporters attended the rededication service, on what would have been the star’s 79th birthday.

The event mixed both commemoration of the football star’s achievements and celebration of today’s talent as there were performances from local musicians and a dazzling, gravity-defying exhibition of footballing skills, set to music, by freestyler Colin Neil.

Councillor Steve Waltho, the Mayor of Dudley also addressed the crowds before Rev Andrew Wickens, of St James Vicarage, Dudley, led a floral tribute and two minutes of silence in memory of the 21-year-old who was among the players and staff who died in February 1958 when the aeroplane that was carrying them from a match crashed in Munich.

Cllr Waltho said: “Although so many years have gone by since Duncan died, he remains such a popular figure.

"We remain so proud of the fact that he came from Dudley and went on to achieve so much in his short life."

Brian Mulholland of the Manchester United Supporters’ Club, added: “The service commemorated a football genius, who, had he lived, would most definitely have been hailed as one of the greatest footballers of all time.

"Sincere thanks go to Dudley Council for all their hard work in organising this magnificent honour."