First images of Gary Moore statue revealed, as fans are urged to support the campaign

Fans are being asked to support the campaign for a statue of Belfast-born guitar legend Gary Moore to be erected in Belfast, following the completion of the statue's clay model.

Sculptor David A Annand, known for his Billy Connolly statue in Glasgow, his memorials for road racing legends William and Robert Dunlop and statues of Philip Seymour and Old Tom Morris, has completed the full size model, meeting the approval of Moore's family.

“It’s with great pride that I have been entrusted to create an impression of Gary Moore for his native city, Belfast," said the artist.

"Gary was a wonderful guitar player, and I hope the joy he brought to so many with his talent will be revisited when his statue takes pride of place in his wonderful city.”

Moore moved to Dublin as a teenager where he met Phil Lynott. The pair performed together in Skid Row before reuniting when Moore joined Thin Lizzy in 1974.

Throughout his career the guitarist sold over five million albums and collaborated with artists including Ozzy Osbourne, BB King, George Harrison, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker.

The musician died on February 6, 2011.

“It was overwhelming to see the first images of Gary’s statue," said Moore's sister Patricia. "It now feels like a reality. We always wanted this to be a statue that Gary’s fans had ownership of. We wanted to allow every fan to say, ‘I helped put this statue here.’"

"It feels so close but there’s still a way to go. We are all looking forward to a day when people will visit Belfast to pay their respects to Gary and the statue."

Belfast City Council has approved the statue, however, funding is still needed for bronze casting, transportation and installation.

A crowdfunding page where fans can donate to the cause has been launched and can be found here.

• See Annand's clay model below.