A campaign to build a statue of one of England’s first black footballers kicks off this week.

In partnership with Kick It Out, Waltham Forest Council are fundraising for a statue of Laurie Cunningham in what would have his 60th birthday week.

Winner of a double with Real Madrid, the 1988 FA Cup with Wimbledon and six England caps, Laurie began his brilliant career with Leyton Orient FC.

Laurie’s life was tragically cut short in 1989 in a car accident in Madrid only aged 33.

Director of Kick It Out, Roisin Wood said: “Laurie Cunningham was a ground-breaking footballer.

“The disgraceful discrimination he, and others, faced was a stain on football in the 1970s and 1980s.

“But it’s important to recognise his impact and the inspiration he would have given to young people watching the game at that time.”

A legacy deserving more attention will be set in bronze in Coronation Gardens near the Brisbane Road stadium where he first made his mark on the game.

A year-long campaign will promote inclusion and diversity through community events.

The statue will cost £100,000 and the Council is hoping to raise a further £50,000 with its partners.

To make a donation, visit www.walthamforest.gov.uk/laurieslegacy.