Thousands watched the Isle of Man-born singer unveil the statue in Redcliffe, Queensland, where the Bee Gees signed their first recording deal in 1959, BBC News reports.

Barry Gibb, the last surviving member of the band said it was an "emotional experience".

The Bee Gees sold more than 200 million albums worldwide in a career spanning five decades.

Robin Gibb died last year following a lengthy battle with cancer, whilst his twin brother Maurice died in Miami in 2003. Their younger brother Andy, who was also a popular singer died in 1988, but was not in the band.

The bronze statue shows the Bee Gees as children between the ages of nine and 12.

The brothers, who emigrated from Manchester to Australia in the late 1950s, scored nine US number one singles and five chart-toppers in the UK.

The statue was part of the region's tribute to the Bee Gees. It will mark the start of the Bee Gees Way - a 70m walk that tells the group's story in words and pictures, curated by Barry Gibb.

The last Bee Gee is currently touring Australia.