AFTER two years of fundraising, the statue of Gwent sporting legend Ken Jones was proudly unveiled in his birthplace of Blaenavon today - but taken down just two hours later.

More than 100 people gathered to see the unveiling of the statue to the Wales and Newport rugby player and Olympic athlete today after a campaign by local people backed by the Pontypool Free Press.

It had been in place, but covered over since Monday.

But two hours later, Torfaen council's regeneration officer Kate Fitzgerald said the decision had been taken to remove the statue due to technical problems in fixing the statue to the plinth.

Following Easter weekend, the final works will be carried out and it will be reinstated.

Among the crowds today were the members of the Ken Jones committee, the mayor of Torfaen Cllr Wayne Tomlinson and mayoress Erika Tomlinson, the mayor of Blaenavon Gareth Davies, and sculptor Laury Dizengremel.

Mr Jones' widow, Irene, and son, Philip, were present to unveil the statue.

Mrs Jones became overcome with tears upon seeing the statue and reading the memorial plaque.

After Mr Jones saw the statue for the first time, he said: "I'm really pleased. It's great that dad's exploits are being recognised in this way.

"It's also 60 years since dad scored the winning try against the All Blacks for Wales, so it's timely that the statue is happening this year."

Joining them were representative from the Welsh Rugby Union, Mal Beynon and Dennis Gethin, representatives of Newport Rugby Club, David Watkins and Dennis Bennett, and secretary of the Welsh Charitables RFC David Power.

Chairman of the Ken Jones committee, cllr Stuart Evans opened the event and thanked everyone for attending, before secretary of the committee, cllr Alan Jones thanked the Free Press and Torfaen council officers for their hard work.

Cllr Evans said: "The Ken Jones committee would like to thank everyone who has contributed."

Ms Dizengremel, who created the bronze sculpture in two months said: "It is a great privilege to be asked to create the likeness of such a famous sporting legend.

"It's a moment in time. He's running full flight with his hand extended towards the try line."

Mr Jones, who died in 2006 at the age of 84, was a rugby great who played on the wing for Newport and Wales and who also won an Olympic silver medal with the Great Britain 4x100m relay team at the 1948 Games in London.

The committee was awarded an £80,000 National Assembly Heads of the Valley grant to complete the project, which was added to £15,000 the committee raised.