HE was described as a "comic genius" and known as one of Southampton's favourite sons.

But now a proposed statue marking the life of Benny Hill has become the subject of a tug of war between London and two Hampshire communities.

The world-renowned entertainer was born in Southampton and made Eastleigh famous by including Market Street in the chart-topping song about Ernie who drove the fastest milk cart in the west.

Monument However, the Daily Echo can reveal that Teddington in south west London, where Hill lived for most of his life, has emerged as a rival location.

Southampton was initially mooted as a fitting site for a permanent national tribute.

But in December last year, TV critic Garry Bushell, fronting a campaign to create a £35,000 landmark, announced Eastleigh to be the front runner.

Now that appears to have changed again, with Teddington favoured for its central location and potential to draw tourists.

Coupled with that, Garry said support for a statue in Hampshire had been poor and that he had received more funding offers from America. He said: "Three areas have got a claim and there's nothing to stop each one of them having a statue eventually.

"If it was in London it would certainly be more of a draw in terms of tourism and trade. It is where he lived after all.

"But really, I'm just concerned about raising enough money for it. At the moment we have not had much support from Southampton.'' In 1999, the people of Morecambe in Lancashire saw a statue of their own comic great unveiled by the Queen. A larger than life figure of Eric Morecambe stands in a prominent position in his hometown thanks to National Lottery funding and a local campaign.

Much of the support for a statue of Benny Hill has come from an array of showbiz celebrities including Barbara Windsor, Bradley Walsh and Brian Conley.

Even though its location is not set in stone, organisers hope to have a monument in place by next year.

On his website Mr Bushell hails Benny Hill as "Britain's biggest ever comedy export'' and says he is still popular with global audiences.