The world famous statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro is to be illuminated in green light for St Patrick’s Day.

President Michael D Higgins and Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro Orani Joao Tempesta signed an agreement last night.

It will see the city's most famous landmark join a growing list of other world famous buildings or monuments that will turn green for St Patrick's Day.

The others include Table Mountain in Cape Town, the Sydney Opera House and the White House fountains in Washington.

The statue of Christ the Redeemer took nine years to build and was finished in 1931.

It stands 40 metres tall and has a span of 28 metres and stands on top of the 700m high Mount Corcovado.

Five years ago it was voted as one of the seven new wonders of the world.

The statue, which is under the responsibility of the Catholic Church in Brazil, is currently illuminated in pink for breast cancer awareness month.