THE wraps will be taken off Altrincham's newest landmark tomorrow - a life size bronze statue of a Victorian market trader.

The £35,000 'Market Trader' figure is the work of renowned Altrincham sculptor Colin Spofforth.

The 2.4m figure will be unveiled by the Mayor, Cllr Bernard Sharp, outside Altrincham Town Hall.

The project to celebrate Altrincham's status as an historic charter market town, was developed by Altrincham Town Centre Partnership and has been in the pipeline for a decade.

It is hoped that it will be the first step in creating a 'sculpture trail' through the town centre.

Funding for the artwork has been provided by businesses and developers and an arts and business Government grant.

While Colin has already turned his hand to a number of pieces in the borough, including the Crest and Spirit of New Orleans sculptures at the Trafford Centre, and the Venus Trinity at Salford Quays, this is his first venture in Altrincham.

The unveiling at 1pm will be preceded by a procession led by the Altrincham Court Leet at 12.45pm, accompanied by children from Juice nursery.

The unveiling will be attended by Graham Brady MP, council representatives, members of Altrincham Town Centre Partnership and Altrincham Court Leet.

As part of the project, town centre businesses have been involved in a number of workshops hosted by South Trafford College to create their own pieces of artwork. The artwork created in the workshops and photographs of the visits will be on display at Altrincham Town Hall on the day of the unveiling.