AN ACCRINGTON "Hall of Fame" has got the go-ahead to be housed at Hyndburn Sports Centre.

And Ray Clark, the man who thought of the idea just over a month ago, is stunned at the backing and support people from the town have shown him.

"It is just fantastic," said the Baxenden man. "I only started it because two local sports people died recently and there was nothing to remember them or their achievements.

"Now we have had an extraordinary response. It is unbelievable."

More than 60 names have been put forward, dating back to the 1880s, with England cricket captains, top flight football stars, Olympic medal winners and more.

A committee of cricket star Ian Austin and athletes Kerry Gillibrand and Amanda Parkinson along with Ray have got together and are now working towards having the "Hall of Fame" up and running by July 8.

"It is just amazing how many sports are involved," said former England and Lancashire cricketer Ian Austin. "There is still a lot of research to be done and I am sure there will be more names put forward, but it was a big surprise to see how many names are on the list already.

"You expect footballers and cricketers but I didn't know about the cyclists, shooters and swimmers from the area. There is still a lot of hard work to be done and it is hard to know where to draw the line but it is a brilliant idea.

"It is something which can be developed and added to year after year."

Ray admitted: "We have been working with the sports centre and Hyndburn Sports Development Office and hopefully it will all come together.

"We have got the space across the balcony at the sports centre and hoping as many sports stars as possible can attend the opening."