Hopkins unveils Tommy Cooper statue

Rex Features

Sir Anthony Hopkins has unveiled a bronze statue of late comedian Tommy Cooper in the Welsh town of Caerphilly,

The 9ft bronze monument, which will remain in his Welsh birthplace, has the comic wearing his famous red fez.

The statue was funded by locals, who raised £45,000 to pay tribute to Cooper, who was born in the town in 1921.

He died in 1984 after collapsing onstage during ITV's variety show Live From Her Majesty's.

Cooper fan Hopkins commented: "I am delighted to be unveiling a statue which will commemorate not just one of my heroes, but one of the greatest comics of all time."