Last updated at 15:02, Tuesday, 30 August 2011

PLANS to let rhinos loose on the streets of Dalton have moved a step closer.

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Fibreglass rhinos will soon be positioned around the ancient capital of Furness as a complementary tourist attraction to South Lakes Wild Animal Park.

The idea is the brainchild of Reverend Alan Mitchell, vicar of St Mary’s Church.

Using a host of materials, including wood and carpet rolls, Mr Mitchell has created the first rhino, which will form the basis of a mould for the future models.

The five-foot long beast will be on display in this year’s tree festival at Christmas.

And Mr Mitchell is hoping to have at least 10 rhinos dotted around town in time for spring.

He said: “The sculpture is the first stage.

“After that it has to be made in to a mould, then hopefully if we can get sponsors, we’ll produce 10 fibreglass ones to be put around Dalton.

“At this moment in time I think I’ve got five sponsors.

“I was thinking of a limited-edition 10 rhinos but if the interest continues, we might have to increase that.”

Dalton drumming band Boom Dang have also been drafted in to compose a special piece for the opening of the installation which, Mr Mitchell says, may be called “Rhino Rumble”.

The prototype rhino took Mr Mitchell just over two-days to get the basic shape right.

Then, with a little assistance from the church helpers, he applied the modrock – the same material used for plaster casts – for the finish.

The plan is to place the sculptures around town, leading up to the animal park.

Once finished, the rhino sculptures could be similar to the Cartmel Sheepy Village, which saw brightly-coloured fibreglass sheep invade the South Lakes village to raise money for charity in 2010.

If anyone would like to sponsor a rhino sculpture, they can contact Dalton Town Hall on 01229 464000 or Reverend Alan Mitchell on 01229 462526.

First published at 13:08, Monday, 29 August 2011
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk