VOLUNTEERS have given a Prudhoe landmark a new lease of life.

The 30-metre-long badger on the town's Station Bank was given a makeover over the Easter weekend after falling into disrepair in recent years.

The badger was cut into the steep, grassy bank overlooking the A695 bypass in the early 1990s after being commissioned by Northumberland County Council.

It was created by artist Gary Power in stone and marble and was designed to integrate with the rural environment.

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It is thought that when the bypass was built it cut through badger homes.

Prudhoe man Andrew Hamilton was the driving force behind the campaign to 'Smarten up Prudhoe's Badger' after his young children told him they did not know what it was.

He painted the badger himself three years ago but this time had help from an army of other local people keen to see the popular attraction spruced up.

Over the course of two days, the badger was painted, the surrounding area weeded and stones put back in place. 

Hexham Courant: PHOTO: Moira Wooldridge PHOTO: Moira Wooldridge

Paint for the project was supplied by A McGee D I Y & Electronics on the town's Front Street.

"With volunteers and paint from McGees, the badger is back for everyone to enjoy", said Andrew.

"All the volunteers appreciate all those who passed by with a toot and a wave."

Coun. Angie Scott added: "We finally got the badger painted! It looks amazing."

Several other groups in the past have helped with improvement works.

In 2015, a Prince’s Trust team refurbished the badger and in 2018, work was completed by a group of first-year apprentices at nearby Essity, and was supported by Prudhoe Town Council, county councillors Ken Stow and Gordon Stewart, Prudhoe in Bloom and Prudhoe Ground Force. Financial backing for the paint and materials for the project came from the lottery-funded Land of Oak & Iron.

Prudhoe Town Council maintain the badger via a contractor.