A MEMORIAL for a friendly goose who charmed visitors to a north Shropshire town has been unveiled.

The statue of George the goose was revealed on Ellesmere Carnival Day by the town's mayor, Cllr Anne Wignall.

The life-size statue and plaque was placed in the shallow waters of the Mere, and was welcomed by a crowd of well-wishers.

Cllr Wignall said: “George is back where he belongs – on the Mere where he lived happily for over 20 years.

"He was such a big character, who was friendly to everyone, and he was always happy to eat from people’s hands."

The Mayor thanked Becca Moore, who was determined to have a statue in George's name, and who started a fundraiser in his name.

Becca said: "Welcome home, George. Loved more than he ever knew."

Border Counties Advertizer: From left to right: Tudor Griffiths, Tony Lewery, Anne Wignall, Becca Moore and daughterFrom left to right: Tudor Griffiths, Tony Lewery, Anne Wignall, Becca Moore and daughter

Many thanks were given to local craftsman, Tony Lewery, for co-ordinating the project, and to Tudor Griffiths for providing the stone George now stands on, brought from the TG quarry in North Wales.

Local craftsman, Chris Stokes, created the plaque, and there were a lot of people and local businesses involved in donating money to the project, and displayed connection boxes.

"This has been a community project which couldn’t have happened without the support of so many people," Cllr Wignall said.

"Thank you to everyone who has helped.

"George will now continue to give pleasure to residents, children and visitors for many years to come."