Eight Superlambanana figures went on display in Liverpool, north-west England, yesterday. The figures have been commissioned following the successful display of 125 two-metre tall sculptures during Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture in 2008.

Designed to reflect the character of Liverpudlians and their city, they are themed on comedy, music, architecture, environment, Liverpool firsts and heroes.

The city has been home to the original Superlambanana - a large yellow statue of a lamb crossed with a banana - by artist Taro Cheizo for many years. In 2008, about 125 two-metre tall sculptures, based on the original, were placed in Liverpool. They were sold off afterwards, in aid of the Lord Mayor's Appeal.

The eight new statues have been initially installed in The Strand, in front of the Cunard and Liver buildings. In late April, they will be moved to the new-look Lime Street railway station.

Based on eight themes, the figures have been created by artists who worked on the original parade in 2008.

One of the eight will act as an "ambassador" by making an appearance at the Liverpool pavilion at the World Expo in Shanghai in May, the council said.

Councillor Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool City Council, said: ''We wanted to create an artistic legacy of what Liverpool enjoyed from being European Capital of Culture, something that captured the spirit of the year and the magic of the amazing creativity, and Go Superlambananas fits the bill perfectly.

''These Eight for 08 Superlambs will put a huge smile on everyone who sees them.

"The fact they have been inspired by designs by the people of Liverpool means they will serve as a vivid reminder of how they contributed to catapulting the city back on to the global stage so successfully.''