Cary Grant immortalised in home city

A bronze statue of Hollywood legend Cary Grant has been unveiled in the late film star's home city as part of a festival to celebrate his life and work.

The life-sized replica was formally unveiled by Grant's widow, Barbara Jaynes, in Bristol to mark the 70th anniversary of his Hollywood debut.

The statue of Grant, a native Bristolian who was originally known as Archie Leech, has been positioned in the city's Millennium Square.

The unveiling was accompanied by carol singing by children and was set against the backdrop of a large screen showing images from Grant's life and career.

It was followed by a screening of To Catch a Thief at the hi-tech IMAX cinema in the at Bristol tourist centre - the first of a series of screenings of Grant's classic Hollywood films.

This will continue next week with showings of North by Northwest, Charade, Bringing Up Baby and The Philadelphia Story.

Two photographic exhibitions, Archie Goes to Hollywood and Cary Come Home, showing previously unseen pictures of the film star will also be on display at the Bristol centre during the next seven days.

The Cary Grant festival is being run as part of the city council's bid for Bristol to become the European City of Culture in 2008.