A NORTH East town has paid tribute to its resident cartoon character by erecting a giant inflatable of him for the Mayor’s ball.

The Hartlepool Wombles are behind the massive Andy Capp inflatable that can be seen at the town’s cricket club.

The idea came as a follow up to last year’s inflatable Grinch that was on display outside of one of the Womble member's houses.

It went global and attracted 5,000 people to come and take photographs raising a massive £35,000 for charity.

Read more: North East football club has stadium renamed after deal with high street retailer

The giant Andy Capp was unveiled last night at the Mayor’s Ball it was kept a secret from those attending.

The Northern Echo: Hartlepool Womble's giant Andy Capp

Ray Liddell of the Hartlepool Wombles said: “We chose Andy Capp as he was created by Reg Smythe who was from Hartlepool.

"We chose him because he's world-famous and he originated here.

“He’s the biggest celebrity to come to the town because he is, after all, seven metres tall.”

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