THE Barnsley sculptor who created the iconic statue of Eric Morecambe which has been badly vandalised, has described the attack as moronic.
Police were called to Marine Road Central in Morecambe last weekend following reports that the statue, which overlooks Morecambe Bay, had been badly damaged.
The larger-than-life bronze statue of the comedian was created by sculptor Graham Ibbeson in his Barnsley studio.
The statue, which took Graham six years to complete, captures the comedian in his famous 'Bring Me Sunshine' pose with one hand raised and a leg cocked.
Graham was on holiday in Fuerteventura when he received the news that a man had attempted to saw it off at the leg.
Graham said: "I'm saddened by this moronic act. It's pure vandalism and it did upset me. I thought it was a joke until I Googled it. It has made millions of people smile over the last 15 years."
The statue was eventually taken down because it was unsafe.
The statue is now in storage at Lancaster City Council but will be taken to London for repair and Graham is hoping it will be finished by Christmas.
The Queen unveiled the statue on the promenade in 1999.
** The full story appears in the Barnsley Chronicle, dated October 17. **
