Seal sculptures restored in time for Christmas
Redcar and Cleveland CouncilThree new wooden seal sculptures have been placed on a roundabout after one of the original seals collapsed earlier this year.
The Coatham seals have become a much-loved feature of Redcar since three were put in place in 2011 and a fourth was added in 2017.
Artist Ste Iredale has re-created the original sculptures which are now in place.
The sculptor said he loved "the reaction these sculptures have had over the years" and that they would have festive Christmas hats on soon.
The seals will be lit up by solar lights and this time they have been made of more robust red cedar wood so they will last for generations to come.
Oliver, 16, was present as the three new seals were installed at the roundabout and said he and his grandmother had already provided a Santa hat and tinsel for one of them.
"It's brilliant to see them back where they belong," he said.
Redcar and Cleveland CouncilCouncillor Carl Quartermain, cabinet member for highways and transport, said it had been sad to see the seals "looking so poorly".
He said: "It's going to be glorious to see them back to full splendour.
"I'd like to mention my colleague, councillor Lynne Rynn, who has pushed for the seals to be returned and I'd also like to thank everyone involved, including those with the original vision for the sculptures back in 2011."
A film is being made by Neil Bates, former Regent Cinema manager, called Four Seals.
