One of Britain's most endearing cartoon creations is about to become a major tourist attraction.

Ultimate male chauvinist pig Andy Capp is close to being immortalised as a bronze statue in his native Hartlepool on Teesside.

Council leaders want to spend more than �20,000 to give the beer-loving layabout a permanent home in the town.

But sculptor Jane Robbins, who recently completed a work of Linda McCartney, says there will not be any room for Andy's long-suffering wife, Flo.

Andy Capp apeared in the Daily Mirrior for 40 years

She says the five-foot tall bronze will see Andy in his favourite position - propping up the bar.

She said: The idea will be that people will be able to stand alongside Andy at the bar."

Andy Capp's creator Reg Smythe was born in Hartlepool and two sites have been suggested for the statue.

One is in the Borough Hall gardens in the Headland area of the town, close to where Mr Smythe was born.

'Making tea'

Kevin Kelly, chairman of the Headland Town Council said: "This was an idea suggested to Hartlepool Borough Council four years ago, but they didn't have enough money.

"A year ago we resurrected the idea.

"The statue would be the image that everyone knows, the flat-cap wearing, beer-swilling Andy with Flo nowhere to be seen, at home making the tea.

"But it is more of a tribute to the creator than to Andy. It's to commemorate Reg Smythe who created this character that is known around the world.

"We hope it will boost tourism for the town."

Reg Smythe died in 1998 and Andy Capp has appeared in the Daily Mirror for more than 40 years.