A BOOK documenting the life of sporting legend, Ken Jones, will be launched in Blaenavon tomorrow night.

Ken Jones - Boots and Spikes, written by writer and rugby historan Steve Lewis, documents Ken's professional life, including running triumphs and rugby successes, as well as his personal life, Mr Lewis is aware of the Free Press-backed campaign to help raise money to erect a statue of Ken in the town. In his book he writes: "There is talk of a statue. One that would be positioned in Blaenavon, a permanent reminder of the lad who used to run down the street to the railway station; the young man who ran like the wind down the right wing and around the running track; and the older version who also ran like the wind down the right wing and around the running track.

"It would be the finest of gestures and while funding will always present problems, it is hoped that on this occasion, the necessary monies can be found. Ken Jones deserves it."

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 an Olympic sprinter.

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

The Ken Jones statue 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, have gained support from Torfaen MP Paul Murphy, WRU president Dennis Gethin and Ken Jones' son, Phil.

Mr Lewis is a Welshman who started a lifelong fondness with the game of rugby union after standing in Rodney Parade, Newport, watching as match as an eleven-year-old boy.

After writing three books on Newport RFC, followed by two on Welsh rugby, he moved onto English rugby.

His previous books include Who Let The Dogs Out? - The Revival of Newport Rugby, The Priceless Gift - Wales' International Rugby Captains and most recently One Among Equals -England's International Rugby Captains.

Mr Lewis, who lives in Newport with his wife Catherine, will be launching his latest book, Ken Jones - Boots & Spikes, in Blaenavon tomorrow, September 1, at Blaenavon Rugby Football Club, at 6.30pm.