A CRICKET club has called for a statue to be erected to honour one of the town's 'greatest sportsmen'.

The Lowerhouse Cricket Club, on Lowerhouse Lane, Burnley, has named England cricketer James Anderson one of the borough's greatest sports stars after he became the first Englishman to take 500 Test wickets in a series-clinching nine-wicket win.

England's seamer, who also plays for Lancashire County Cricket Club, was honoured for his achievements in the game by changing the name of what used to be The Pavillion End to The James Anderson End at the Old Trafford cricket ground.

The Lowerhouse Cricket Club's chairman, Stan Heaton, has called for a statue of the Lancastrian to be built in his home town.

He said: ""Everybody at the club thinks he has done marvellously well for himself and the town.

"When people first saw him at the age of 12 or 13 they did not think he would reach these dizzy heights.

"James is an inspiration to people in this town who want to play cricket. It makes you think if he can achieve it why can't you.

"Irrespective of the Burnley aspect what he has achieved is very rare and ought to be recognised.

"I would like to see a statue of James Anderson somewhere where it can be seen by visitors in the town.

"I would suggest building a statue showing Jimmy bowling towards Turf Moor.

"I can't think of a greater sportsman this town has produced."

The chairman, who has been a member of the club for 50 years, also said he played against James Anderson in his early years.

He added: "I still remember the day when I played with James.

"He bowled me out when he was only a youngster.

"He has a lot of pace about him and was far too quick for me and the professionals he plays against today."

Cllr Mark Townsend, the leader of Burnley Council, said: "We have already given James the honour of the freedom of the borough but we will always review how we should recognise the fantastic achievements of James and other sports stars like him.

"I am sure there will be other ideas put forward for how we can put through a memorial or commemoration to James.

"There's no doubting his achievements which have helped to put Burnley on map."