A MEMORIAL to fishermen lost off the North-East coast is to be unveiled at an event later this month.

The sculpture, named Fiddler’s Green, which stands 10ft 6ins tall, is set to be moved into place at its permanent home at Clifford’s Fort, on the Fish Quay in North Shields.

The memorial is in honour of those fishermen who died doing their job after leaving the port.

Renowned sculptor Ray Lonsdale, the man behind the famous ‘Tommy’ sculpture in Seaham, was chosen to create the memorial following a public vote.

There will be live music from local acts followed by a parade of fishermen before the grand reveal at 12.30pm on Sunday, September 24.

One of those who will be speaking at the event is Julie Myhill, whose partner James Noble was the last fisherman to lose his life after leaving the North Shields port.

He was the skipper of a fishing trawler which sank off the Northumberland coast in 2014, claiming his life as well two of his crew.

Henry Howard, vice chairman of North Shields Fishermen’s Heritage Project, said: “A memorial to the lost fishermen of North Shields is long overdue and we’re delighted this is about to be put right.”