A life-size bronze statue of Amy Winehouse, complete with a red rose in her trademark beehive hairdo, was unveiled in London today, to mark what would have been the British singer-songwriter's 31st birthday.

Relatives and fans of the musician gathered in Camden, the north London district where she lived until her death in 2011, following a struggle with addiction, to see what would emerge from a large black box.

The statue that appeared was dressed in high heels, a short dress with a belt and topped with the star's usual beehive hair style with a live red rose.

"It is like stopping her in a beautiful moment in time. We really hope Amy's fans love the statue," said the singer's father Mitch Winehouse, who said seeing the statue was "incredibly emotional".

Family members took photos with the statue, which will stand as a permanent memorial in Camden's Stables market, the heart of Winehouse's old stomping ground.