A BRONZE sculpture of one of Newcastle's most famous sons is to become one of the city's tourist attractions.
Sculptor Nigel Boonham has just completed a 3ft scale model of the late Cardinal Basil Hume, which will act as a template for the final version, due to be unveiled at the city's St Mary's RC Cathedral next year.
The cardinal's niece, Catherine Hickman, saw the model when she visited Mr Boonham's studio.
She said: "As soon as I saw the model I was astonished by its extraordinary likeness to my uncle. It is uncanny and really captures his very human, accessible approach. I felt compelled to reach out and hold the sculpture's open hand."
The bronze sculpture will be unveiled at a memorial service in the cathedral.
Newcastle City Council leader Councillor Tony Flynn said: "Cardinal Hume was a wonderful ambassador for the city and I felt it was important that we should commemorate his life in a lasting way. I am certain that this sculpture is going to become a big attraction for people visiting they city."
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