While legend has it that Robin Hood went about robbing the rich to pay the poor in Nottinghamshire, the hero has been adopted to portray the spirit of Pegswood in a 39ft-tall sculpture.

But in keeping with the area's mining heritage, the character's traditional livery will be replaced with a miner's helmet and pit boots, while his arrows will be substituted with a shovel.

The bronze figure has been designed by artist Tom Maley to sit with bow poised on a stainless steel beam on the new roundabout at the Pegswood Bypass, at the junction with Sheepwash Road.

It will have large black boulders around its base to create a 'coal-like slab'.

The acclaimed sculptor, who made the famous Jackie Milburn statue at St James' Park, refused to be drawn on the project while it goes through planning procedures, but a statement in the application papers describes his vision.

"The sculpture has various functions and will have different meanings to different people, Robin will work on different levels," he said.

"He acts as a celebration of the area's mining heritage, he is an inspirational heroic figure and embodies the force and determination of the men who worked in some of the most challenging conditions.

"The angled positioning of the industrial girder, which also acts as a plinth to elevate the figure, provokes interest and discussion. Combined with the bent section and the 'shovelled' arrow and chain, this creates several possibilities as to the narrative behind the piece.

"Benefits for the local community would be that the piece will create a strong feeling of pride and will act as a permanent monument to the industrial heritage that this area was built on, and help to create a social bond from young to old."

He adds: "Robin will become symbolic of the area and act in a similar way to other successful landmark sculptures. This will help stimulate the regeneration of mining communities who look to re-establish themselves in the 21st Century."

The application has been submitted to Wansbeck District Council by Agent Charles Sample, of the Welbeck Estate, and discussions are taking place with both Castle Morpeth Council and Northumberland County Council about the work.

Funding is yet to be secured for the £60,000 to £70,000 project, which will be fitted with anti-vandal measures and uplighters, but locals are already looking forward to Robin's arrival.

Pegswood Parish Council Chairman Peter Angus said: "Speaking personally, I think it is brilliant.

"I don't see why it should be called Robin, but that is another matter — from what I have seen it looks good.

"I have read the details and I'm very pleased about the under-planting, which seems excellent. There is always a concern about vandalism, which is a problem in Pegswood, but they seem to have covered that issue very comprehensively.

"Seeing as it is not costing the Parish Council any money, I can't see any reason for being concerned about it.

"It will certainly be an impressive structure if it is erected."

The Borough's Development Services Committee will be asked to discuss the plans at a meeting next week and forward members' views to Wansbeck Council, which is expected to decide the application next month.