The Ken Jones Statue Appeal has received the wholehearted backing of Torfaen MP Paul Murphy, the rugby player's son Phil Jones and the wider community.

Mr Murphy has shown his support for the campaign since it was in its early stages, and is hoping to raise the profile of the appeal by raising it in Parliament.

He said: "It's fantastic news that the Free Press has launched this appeal. Ken Jones is one of our greatest sporting heroes - a Blaenavon man who achieved so much as a rugby player and an Olympic athlete.

"Perhaps it's fitting then that this campaign is launched on the eve of a Rugby World Cup in New Zealand."

Mr Murphy has spoken to the Ken Jones committee, whose members include Blaenavon RFC chairman Alan Jones, local residents Lewis Freeman, Pip Evans and Jack Bartlett and town councillors, Cllr Stuart Evans, Cllr Pauline Whitcombe and Cllr Roy Harris, to offer his support to the group who are trying to raise funds for the project.

He said: "I'll back the campaign locally and in Parliament and have already been enquiring with colleagues from towns who've run similar campaigns before.

"Money is tight at the moment, but this is a worthwhile project to celebrate a part of our heritage and honour a local hero."

Ken was born in Blaenavon and is best known for his winning try against the All Blacks in 1953 but also enjoyed a successful career as a Olympic sprinter.

It is believed that the project could cost as much as £80,000 for both the commissioning of the artist and materials for the statue.

After hearing about the Free Press campaign, Ken Jones' son, Phil, said: "I am pleased that things are proceeding as it is a difficult climate with the recession but it's good to see everyone getting together to move the project forward."

Torfaen County Borough Council has pledged £3,000 for phase one of the project, which will consist of finding an artist, and Blaenavon Town Council will discuss at its next meeting in September as to whether they too will donate.

Support for the project has previously been voiced by WRU president Dennis Gethin.

Mr Murphy added: "Good luck to The Free Press with the campaign to honour Ken Jones - as your MP, you have my total support."

Local residents can get involved in many ways by simply sending a donation, offering their ideas for the statue or by holding a fund raising event.

Remember if you plan to hold an event we want to hear from you, email hayley.mills@gwent-wales.co.uk or ring Hayley on 01495 751133.

The committee has set up a bank account to collect funds and can't emphasise enough that every donation, no matter how small, counts.

Cheques can be made out to Ken Jones Memorial Fund and posted to the care of Lewis Freeman at 52 Thornhill Close, Upper Cwmbran, Torfaen, NP44 5TQ.