Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer will have a statue sculpted in his honour.

Eight years ago, former Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd commissioned local artist Tom Maley to produce a statue of the 44-year-old ex-England star.

Plans were put on hold, but company Shepherd Offshore has now paid to get the 9ft bronze sculpture completed.

"It's absolutely great news for me," the Chronicle quotes Mr Maley as saying. "We have been on with this project for eight years now.

"In my personal humble opinion the Shearer statue was the best piece I had done and I'm really delighted with the news."

The statue's location has not been confirmed, but reports have claimed that the Palace of Arts in Exhibition Park could be chosen.