Newcastle unveils Alan Shearer statue

Alan Shearer has been immortalised in bronze.

With the song "Local Hero" by Mark Knopfler blaring over the speakers, supporters cheered on the former Newcastle United striker as he uncovered a statue of himself outside of St James' Park on Monday.

The statue, which officially stands at 9-foot-6 and portrays the forward in a celebratory pose, cost £250,000 - a fee paid by the family of former club chairman Freddy Shepherd.

"It is now 10 years since he retired and our family decided that fans shouldn't have to wait any longer for his unique career to be properly recognised," Shepherd told reporters.

Shearer, who played 10 years with the Magpies before retiring in 2006, went on to find the back of the 206 times in a Newcastle strip.