THE world's proudest fag-smoker and beer-swiller Andy Capp could soon be immortalised in his home town after all.

Plans to commission a statue of the working-class cartoon hero were rejected last year due to funding problems.

There were also criticisms that the sculpture, to be erected on the historic Headland area of Hartlepool, would project the wrong image for the town.

But yesterday it emerged that the North Hartlepool Partnership has decided to back the idea with £8,500 and is now looking for another £10,000.

The Partnership will look again at the sculpture design by Shropshire artist Jane Robbins which was commissioned by the Headland Town Council.

She proposed a 5ft bronze statue of Andy posing at the bar. However, in keeping with modern political correctness, Andy would be minus his trademark cigarette. The statue has the backing of Reg Smythe's family.

It is hoped the sculpture, which would be erected probably between the Pot House pub and the former St Andrew's Church by the end of 2007, would attract tourists to the Headland.

A spokesman for the North Hartlepool Partnership said: "We feel that this fits in with our arts strategy for the Headland and it's a programme worthy of consideration.

"It's a scheme that both the North Hartlepool Partnership and the Headland Trust group are closely involved with. A lot of work still needs to be done before this project is brought to fruition."

Mayor of Hartlepool, Stuart Drummond, said: "Andy Capp is one of the most famous things to come out of Hartlepool and it would attract tourists to the town.

"It definitely has my support."