ONE of the Busby babes and Barnsley’s most famous sons has been immortalised with the naming of a bridge in his name.

The walkway over the railway towards Oakwell, previously known as Market Gate Bridge, will now be known as the Tommy Taylor Memorial Bridge.

Tommy’s niece, Danni Blackley, 59, of Stairfoot is overjoyed with the tribute.

She said: “I am just so happy. And it’s doing my mum, Irene (Tommy’s sister), proud.

“She would be over the moon if she knew this and God willing she’s watching on.

“Unfortunately he died seven years before I was born but my other siblings were fortunate enough to meet him.

“It’s a fantastic tribute to him for his time in football. He’s just a legend in his field.”

Tommy, along with 22 others, was tragically killed in the Munich air disaster of February 1958, aged just 26.

But this naming will ensure his name lives on in Barnsley.

“His legacy should live on because he was a great asset for the town,” Danni added.

“I don’t think there are many people who don’t know about the Busby Babes.

“He was known for his goalscoring for Barnsley, Manchester United and England.

“Football fans will be walking over it on Saturdays and having their pictures taken.

“It’s just an incredible tribute and I am thrilled to bits.

“I do think that although Barnsley has changed over the years, it’s still a close community and I think the naming of the bridge will bring people into town.”

Leader of Barnsley Council, Sir Steve Houghton, said Tommy emerged as the leading candidate among all the suggestions to name the bridge.

He said: “I’ve known the story of Tommy Taylor as long as I can remember, and he’s still remembered with huge affection by many Barnsley people.

"In years to come, those who weren’t born when Tommy was playing, or perhaps those not even born yet, will know of Tommy’s legacy and his place in Barnsley’s history through this bridge.