A statue of rock legend Lemmy will be unveiled in his home town of Burslem in May – and council leaders believe it could help boost tourism in Stoke-on-Trent.

The 2.25m bronze sculpture of the late Motörhead frontman will be erected in the Mother Town's Market Place, as part of a series of events marking the band's 50th anniversary this year.

A portion of Lemmy's ashes will be placed within the plinth by Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell when the statue is unveiled on May 8 – International Motörhead Day.

Cabinet members at Stoke-on-Trent City Council will authorise the erection of the statue when they meet on Tuesday – planning permission was granted last year.

The statue, by renowned Staffordshire artist Andy Edwards, is being funded by Singerman Entertainment, Motörhead's Los Angeles-based management company.

But it will be placed on council-owned highway land, meaning specific authorisation is needed for the statue under a Victorian-era law.

The cabinet report points out that the statue has been produced at no cost to the taxpayer, but will 'undoubtably help to contribute to the tourism industry in Stoke-on-Trent' due to Lemmy and Motörhead's worldwide fame.

A council spokesperson said: "Stoke-on-Trent has produced many famous faces over the years and what better way to honour one of our own than by installing a statue in the town where they were born – and in our Centenary year as well.

"We are looking forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world for the unveiling."

Lemmy – real name Ian Fraser Kilmister – was born in Burslem in 1945 and later lived in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Madeley.

In 1971 he joined Hawkwind as a bassist and vocalist, and formed Motörhead four years later. Lemmy died in 2015.

The statue will depict Lemmy at the height of his fame in the 1980s, in an iconic pose singing up towards a towering microphone.

Mr Edwards is best known for the world-famous statue of the Beatles on Liverpool's waterfront, and has also produced a number of artworks in his native North Staffordshire, including the statue of Gordon Banks at the bet365 Stadium.

He said: "This new statue of Lem is special, not just because I share the same birthplace as him or because of how much he personally means to me, but because it's so important to have a permanent international landmark celebrating him where he was born.

"Lemmy gave me joy, confidence in myself, and energy, and he's also an avatar of the original spirit and power of rock and roll. I really hope it will become a meeting place for people from all over the world to take the journey to."

Upon completion the statue will be owned by IFK Legacy CIC, which will carry out and pay for its ongoing maintenance, and gifted to the city.

If IFK ceases to exist, the council would assume responsibility for maintenance, but the cabinet report says the costs will be 'minimal'.

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