Ipswich Town's Kevin Beattie statue unveiled at Portman Road

The statue was unveiled in front of members of Beattie's family, former team-mates and fans

A statue of an Ipswich Town legend has been installed near the football ground where he played.

Kevin Beattie, voted Ipswich's greatest player by fans, died from a heart attack in September 2018, aged 64.

The bronze sculpture of The Beat was made possible after fans started a crowdfunding campaign.

Creator and fan since 1982, Sean Hedges-Quinn, said he had been left "emotional", adding, "I can't tell you what this means to me to do this."

Kevin Beattie, known for his ability in the air, was captured leaping for the ball

The campaign to raise £110,000 was led by the East Anglian Daily Times (EADT)/Ipswich Star, alongside BBC Suffolk and TWTD website, and was launched after Beattie's sudden death.

Brad Jones, the editor of the EADT, said they had all been on a "journey".

"The magical thing about this it's just been driven by the fans so many people have been so generous.

"Since day one we had donations come in, the whole community has come together, because we love The Beat, but also we love Ipswich Town Football club, this is really special day."

Hundreds of fans turned out in force to see the unveiling

Hundreds of fans turned out to see the statue, which is positioned close to two former Ipswich Town and England managers Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Alf Ramsey, both also made by Mr Hedges-Quinn.

He said: "He was an extraordinary footballer you had to try and portray that in the statue."

Being able to capture his "physicality and power" was "a challenge, it's been three years of my life", he added.

The statue was kept under wraps until it was unveiled on Saturday morning

Emma Beattie, the football star's daughter, said it was a "surreal" day.

She said there was no denying that Mr Hedges-Quinn had captured her father and she was so pleased the "absolutely brilliant" piece of art included his moustache.

The work was presented on what would have been his 68th birthday and former player, John Peddelty, who had The Beat as his best man said: "He's there isn't he. It looks tremendous."

Kevin Beattie was a key player for Ipswich during their most successful era to date

Many former Ipswich players attended the event, including team-mate Terry Butcher.

"He was my hero, you couldn't take your eyes off him," he said.

"In training, playing against him I just used to watch him play and I got told off a few times by Bobby Robson for taking my eye off the game.

"He was a character you couldn't help but fall in love with him, he was just that perfect player and the perfect man."

Sculpture Sean Hedges-Quinn was presented to the crowd live on BBC Radio Suffolk just ahead of the unveiling