PLANS to erect a statue in memory of famous cartoon character Andy Capp are pressing ahead after the idea was backed in a poll.

Of 527 Hartlepool people who responded to a consultation leaflett, 406 said they wanted a statue of Andy Capp, who was created by Hartlepool man Reg Smythe.

Now the North Hartlepool Partnership - which is behind the project - is working to finalise the funding arrangements.

The statue will cost an estimated £20,000, will be about 5ft high and made of bronze, and will, subject to planning permission, be sited on the seafront near the Harbour of Refuge pub.

The sculpture will be created by Shropshire artist Jane Robbins, who created a small-scale plasticine rough model when the idea of an Andy Capp statue was discussed several years ago by the then Headland Town Council.