THE hair had been altered twice to get the parting perfect, and the shoes were re-sculpted to be slip-ons after they originally had laces.

No detail had been overlooked by sculptor James Butler as he strove to capture the image of Jack Walker, a man loved by many.

And yesterday, many fans approached Mr Butler in tears, thanking him for creating the 10ft Jack Walker statue, which is now outside the Blackburn End at Ewood Park.

Mr Walker died from cancer last year on August 17 aged 71. 'Uncle Jack' -- as he was known to fans -- spent millions on Blackburn Rovers and transformed them from an unfashionable second division outfit to Premier League Champions in 1995.

During a ceremony yesterday afternoon, Jack's brother Fred, unveiled the figure in front of his family, Blackburn Rovers officials, and more than two hundred supporters.

He said: "It will remain a lasting tribute to his life, and to Blackburn, his home town. His untimely death was a shock to all who knew him his achievements we will never forget."

Mr Butler spent eight months creating the piece, and picked a photo from the boardroom wall at Ewood Park, as his guide to the image he was to recreate.

This was of Jack Walker, arms aloft, celebrating winning the Premier League at Anfield in 1995. He also used a television programme made after his death to understand his character.

Jack Walker's family visited his 17th farmhouse in Warwickshire twice to inspect the work in progress. They gave him tips to ensure the model became a perfect likeness "The first one was a little too heavy set," said James, "so we decided to make him look more in his prime.

"One time they told me I had put shoelaces on, but Jack always wore slip-ons.

"Then I put his parting on one side slightly more than it should have been, so a family member explained to me just how it should have been.

"It was important for me to capture him as he looked typically.

"It's so easy to get some parts out of place. You have to get all the various details correct.

"I'm relieved everybody has said it's good. I was a little nervous beforehand."

Robert Coar, Rovers' chairman, said: "This is a lasting tribute to the club's number one fan. Under his guidance and wisdom we gained rich rewards, culminating in May 1995 when we won the championship. Who will forget the delight in his face as he climbed over the stand onto the pitch to join the celebrations?

"Now in this statue we have something else to remember him by."

The sculpture sits in the Jack Walker Memorial Garden, which has a number of symbols representing Jack's life.

It is positioned on the old site of terrace houses, similar to those Jack grew up in, and there is a stainless steel fountain to represent his business life.

The old Rovers FC sign which sat on the corner of the old Blackburn End has been incorporated into the wall.

The garden was funded by direct donations from Rovers' 100 Club, Blackburn with Darwen Council, and individual supporters.