THE AUTHOR of the book that documents the life of sporting legend, Ken Jones, enjoyed a successful launch in Blaenavon.

The book, Ken Jones - Boots and Spikes, written by rugby historian Steve Lewis, documents Ken's professional life as well as his personal life.

This is his eighth book; 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, and took him two years to write.

He said: "I decided to write the book as first and foremost there wasn't a book about him. He is in my mind, and in the minds of many others, the greatest all-round sports player.

"The book was always scheduled to come out in time for the World Cup and in time for the 2012 Olympics." Mr Lewis, 61, is aware of the Free Press-backed campaign to help raise money to erect a statue of Ken in the town.

He added: "The money for the statue is hard to source but he is well deserving of one."

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, who lives in Newport with his wife Catherine, launched his latest book, Ken Jones- Boots & Spikes, in Blaenavon last Thursday in Blaenavon Rugby Football Club.

A book signing will take place in W H Smith, Cwmbran on September 10, at 11am.