He is widely regarded as one of the most radical historical figures to have lived in Manchester.

Now Friedrich Engels, one of the founding fathers of communism, will finally take his rightful place in the form of a unique new statue at the University of Salford - and you’ll be able to climb it.

The ambitious project, described as the first of its kind, will see a five metre-tall effigy of Engels’ famous beard installed in the heart of the University’s new campus next to Salford Crescent Station off University Road.

Passersby will even be able to scale the beard to a viewing platform at the top.

Salford-based arts production company Engine were commissioned to create the striking new bust after University chiefs asked for an unusual centrepiece for their new Art School.

Jai Redman, Engine’s founder, said: “This project piqued our imagination when we first encountered it in the book Manchester, England by DJ Dave Haslam.

“Since then, we’ve waited for a good opportunity and for technology to advance to the point where we can effectively and affordably recreate the statue, allowing us to fulfil this vision.”

He added: “As artists concerned with the playful politics of social engagement and with creating intriguing public spaces, it was never going to be enough just to make a boring statue.”

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Plans in the mid-80s to source a statue from the former USSR fell through when no suitable sculpture could be found.

It would have been placed on Whitworth Street as part of the regeneration of the Castlefield basin.

DJ and journalist Dave Haslam, who wrote part of his book ‘Manchester, England’ on the mooted statue, welcomed the new plans.

He said: “Manchester is a very artistic city, very culturally aware. So something that celebrates a radical hero kind of combines those two great things about the city.

“Engels marks one of the high points of radical Manchester. It’s easy to forget that Manchester was once a centre of radical, political change.”

Engels, who was sent to Manchester by his father in 1842, was horrified by the conditions endured by mill workers in the city during Victorian times.

His experiences shaped his anti-capitalist stance and work written in Manchester helped cement his relationship with fellow communist philosopher Karl Marx.

The statue will open in Easter 2016.