Want the top news headlines sent to your inbox daily? Sign up to our FREE newsletter below Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Toon legend Alan Shearer will finally be honoured as his statue is brought back to Newcastle.

Thanks to the Chronicle and ex-Mapgie chief Freddy Shepherd, the long-awaited sculpture is now finished and is making its way back to the UK.

And the 9ft structure, which was created in a workshop in Hangzhou, China, by Morpeth artist Tom Maley, is expected to arrive in England at the end of the month.

Mr Shepherd had commissioned Tom to produce the artwork around eight years ago before plans were put on hold.

But the project was revived when Shepherd Offshore, owned by Mr Shepherd and his brother Bruce, agreed to foot the six-figure bill for the statue.

A site for the artwork is yet to be selected but a number of possible locations have been selected, including an area of land at the top of Stowell Street.

Sculptor Tom said: “I’m absolutely delighted with it. I’m not one for giving up, it’s my worst quality.

“It’s a really good one and I have to thank the Chronicle for sorting it out.

“It’s about being in the right place at the right time.

“I always kept in touch with Freddy and I’m grateful to him for commissioning it.

“I’m just looking forward to getting it finished.”

During Mr Shepherd’s era at Newcastle United he paid a down payment for the statue and fans expected it to be erected outside of the ground, but plans never materialised.

Tom has spent the past six months working on the enlarged figure before it was cast in bronze.

It has started its journey back to the UK and is expected to arrive in Liverpool on August 30 before it makes its way up to Newcastle.

We're testing a new site: This content is coming soon

Tom said: “It’s currently on the ship from Shanghai and once it’s gone through customs it will be brought up to Newcastle.”

Originally it was suggested the statue would be placed over the road from the sculpture of his former manager, Sir Bobby Robson, and be part of a new £47m city centre development planned on land next to St James’ Park.

However, a location is yet to be decided but it is understood talks are ongoing with the city council.

Shearer himself has admitted he would like to see it put outside the Gallowgate end.