A life-size statue of late singer Amy Winehouse was unveiled in an emotional ceremony in Camden yesterday.

Friends, family and fans of the former Camden resident and global star gathered at Stables Market on what would have been her 31st birthday.

Tributes were made by a number of people close to Ms Winehouse before her death, including actress Barbara Windsor and parents Mitch and Janis.

Sculpted by Scott Eaton, the life size bronze stands 175cm including high heels and beehive.

Father Mitch Winehouse said: “It is incredibly emotional to see Amy immortalised like this, but Scott has done an amazing job in capturing her.

“It is like stopping her in a beautiful moment in time.

“The Winehouse family are very grateful to Scott and we really hope Amy’s fans love the statue.

“We want to remind everyone of her talent and that her legacy, through her music and the Amy Winehouse Foundation, carries on.

“Camden meant a lot to Amy and vice versa and to have her forever standing at the heart of the hustle and bustle of that area just fits.”

Ms Winehouse moved to Camden at the age of 16 to pursue her music career and at the time of her death she lived in Camden Square.

Mr Eaton said: “I’ve always been a fan of Amy’s music and have the utmost respect for her as an artist. From a sculptor’s perspective, Amy has an amazing style and energy.

“My sketchbooks are full of hundreds of subtle variations on how she would stand. The pose had to capture Amy’s attitude and strength, but also give subtle hints of insecurity. The hand on the hip, the turn of the head, the grabbing of the skirt, the turned in foot – these are all small elements that contribute to the personality of the piece.

“The design is not based on any single snapshot, photo or moment in time, but an amalgamation of influences.

“Hopefully by taking many important moments in her history and drawing on those, the piece comes close to capturing the essence of Amy. Similarly her wardrobe is a collection of influences, informed by her style but not an exact copy of any particular piece.”

Lee Bennett, of Camden Market Holding Corporation (Camdenmarket.com), added: “This is a fantastic tribute to a music legend and it will be greatly appreciated by family, friends and fans.

“There is no better place for this statue than Stables Market, which epitomises everything Camden has to offer and what Amy loved about the area.

“It’s a great way to remember Amy as well as celebrate the exciting changes taking place at Stables Market, which is only going to keep getting better.”