Farewell to damaged donkey statue in Cleethorpes Pier Gardens - at least for time being

                                                                     

A sad specimen - Dudley the donkey

DUDLEY the donkey is to be removed and returned to the artist for potential repairs following extensive damage to his ears and body.

The  statue was installed in Pier Gardens 2011 ago to honour Gladys Nuttall, along with her husband Buster, who first brought donkeys to Cleethorpes seafront in the 1940s.

Unfortunately, over the last decade, Dudley has been subject to vandalism, and both ears have been broken off. His body has also been battered by the weather and sea air.

The statue will be returned to its creator but, if repaired, it is not known if a home will be found for him in Pier Gardens which have been earmarked for a revamp.

                                              

It is known if Dudley will ever return