An exhibition celebrating the life and career of football legend John Charles is set to come to the district next year.

The tribute to the Leeds United great who lived in Birkenshaw is due to visit Cleckheaton in its only journey to the north.

Once people in the district has seen the exhibition it will be taken on a tour of Italy.

The Birkenshaw-based John Charles Appeal hopes to secure sponsorship of about £15,000 to bring the Gentle Giant Project to the Spen Valley.

The touring exhibition is being launched in Wrexham in October and as well as celebrating the life and times of the famous footballer, the six-week event will also offer an extensive educational workshop programme.

Welsh international Charles, who was known as the Gentle Giant, died in February aged 72 after a distinguished footballing career which saw him play for Leeds and Juventus in Italy.

Chairman of the John Charles Appeal Keith Joplin said: "It will be really inspiring; we think it will be hosted at Whitcliffe Mount School.

"John Charles was a wonderful sportsman - he was never sent off or given a yellow card and the Italians really took to him.

"He was the only British-based player to top the league scoring tables there. It is brilliant that we have the chance to bring something so major to the area which will benefit so many people.

"We are ideally located here with good motorway links so it will bring people to the town from all over the north of England, which will be a massive boost for us. I hope everyone will support it."

The exhibition has been organised by the Gentle Giant Trust in Wales and will feature memorabilia from the player's life.

Visitors will enter a huge space about 50 metres square.

In the centre will be a video screen pitch and presentation area introducing Charles to his fans on terraced stands. Rooms off the stadium will explore the main elements of his life - the Leeds United and Juventus dressing rooms, his Wales career and his time at Roma, Cardiff, Hereford and Merthyr Tydfil.

A lifesize model of the footballer as a boy carving his name on the walls of Swansea Town Football Club will greet visitors in the stadium's turnstile entrance.

Inside, visitors will hear John's own words on an autobiography soundtrack and there will be an interactive atmosphere with balls to kick around.