A WIRRAL sculptor has unveiled a statue of Liverpool’s iconic Liverbird honouring one of the city’s most influential people.

Standing eight feet high, the bronzed bird was created by Rick Myers and revealed during a ceremony on the pier head this morning.

Called The Spirit of Liverpool, the statue took six years of planning and preparation.

Its launch coincided with a visit by giant cruise liner The Royal Princess, with 3,600 passengers.

The statue is dedicated to the late Paul Rice who was seen by politicians, business and trade union leaders and, in particular, football fans throughout the region as a person who epitomised 'The Spirit of Liverpool'.

He was instrumental in forming the Spirit of Shankly Supporters' Union and was on the Liverpool FC Supporters' Committee. He died in January 2012 after a long battle with illness.

Rick Myers is fundraising manager at Wirral Autistic Society and called the statue MoJack after children he has met through his work with the organisation.

Hed said: "It's taken a long time from the idea to final statue, but I’m happy that the statue is now finished.

"It will be a dream come true to see the giant version of the bird on the banks of the Mersey welcoming all these thousands of visitors to the region.

"I'm relieved and excited that we have got to this point, but I’m also nervous as I hope people like the new Liver Bird."

It has been created as part of a Liver Birds Inc project and is sponsored by Love2shop, the Wirral-based rewards and incentives specialists who have a proud record of supporting the local community.

Arthur Johnson, a director of Liver Birds Inc, said: "It is great to have Love2shop on board as lead sponsors.

"It is fitting that they are supporting the project as the bird is being moved to the shopping area outside Central Station in Liverpool at the end of the cruise liner season."

Liver Birds Inc have also published a children's book about the history of the bird as well as a DVD of the story. Further details are available on www.liverbirdsinc.com