"NEVER pass a bar that has your name on it."

So said Warrington-born author, broadcaster and comedian Pete McCarthy in his first book, McCarthy's Bar.

And it is a motto that will live on for visitors to room Space 7 at the Pyramid Art Centre, because, thanks to Pyramid staff, a local artist and the Warrington Guardian, they will each pass a plaque celebrating his incredible life.

Born Peter Robinson in 1951, the young man took McCarthy' from his mother's maiden name, before going on to work with the likes of Mel Smith, Griff Rhys Jones and Roger McGough and becoming best known as a television travel presenter and writer.

Sadly, he lost his battle with cancer in October 2004 at the age of 51.

However, around that time the Pyramid made a bid to the Arts Council for England, asking for part of any money to be used on a piece of public art.

And with the helpful suggestion of the Warrington Guardian's then assistant editor, Jeremy Craddock, the idea to commemorate Pete's life was born.

Jeremy, who is now the Guardian's deputy editor, said: "I was writing a weekly column called Papercuts at the time of Pete's death. I commented that his life and achievements should be commemorated in Warrington in some way.

"I thought he was a brilliant humorist. I roared with laughter at his books and saw him perform at the Pyramid shortly before he died when he had the packed audience in stitches.

"I'm thrilled to see a tribute at last."

Gemma Weedon, Pyramid's arts development manager, asked artists to submit prospective designs for the memorial, and asked the Robinson family to select their favourite.

She said: "We commissioned Peter Oakley from the Warrington Visual Artists Forum, so it was nice that it was someone local whose piece was chosen."