Gordon Banks sculpture unveiled at Stoke City

The life-sized bronze sculpture of Gordon Banks depicts him lifting the Jules Rimet World Cup

A statue of England's World Cup-winning goalkeeper has been unveiled at Stoke City's Britannia Stadium.

The life-sized bronze sculpture of Gordon Banks depicts him lifting the Jules Rimet World Cup trophy he won at Wembley in 1966.

Banks, a former Stoke City player and club president, was granted the freedom of Stoke-on-Trent on Thursday.

The city council said he was a "true city great". Banks said he was "very proud" of the honour.

'Iconic figure'

The statue, which is owned by the council, is displayed on Gordon Banks Drive in front of the Britannia Stadium.

The £85,000 sculpture was created by artist Andy Edwards.

The Banks statue was originally unveiled by footballing legend Pelé when he visited the city in 2008 and has been on display at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery for the past two years.

"It's a very special week for me and also for my family. They are very proud," said Banks.

Gordon Banks made many famous saves for England

Gordon Banks: A glittering career

• Played in every game of England's 1966 World Cup-winning campaign

• Won the League Cup with Leicester City in 1964 and Stoke City in 1972

• Won 73 caps for England

• During the 1970 World Cup, made one of football's most memorable saves to thwart Brazilian star Pelé

• Named FIFA goalkeeper of the year six times

Lord Mayor Majid Khan said: "Gordon Banks is a true city great. His achievements in football speak for themselves."

Gordon Banks was granted the Freedom of Stoke-on-Trent, along with club mascot Neil "Nello" Baldwin

Stoke City chairman Peter Coates said: "Gordon is quite rightly regarded as an iconic figure by supporters of Stoke City... so it's fitting the statue should be in such a prominent position outside the Britannia Stadium."