Giant Ironbridge duck vandalised just one day after going on display
Organisers have been left heartbroken after the duck had to be removed.
One of the jumbo painted ducks that makes up a unique art trail has been vandalised just a day after being unveiled, leaving organisers "heartbroken".
The 'Let's Go Quackers' art trail includes ten larger than life ducks spread throughout Ironbridge, but one of them was found damaged on Sunday morning.
The hand-painted ducks were the brainchild of Julie Ward and she was alerted to the state of the duck, christened Lady Victoria, by a member of the public.
GALLERY: Giant ducks go on display
Julie described the scene: "She has been dragged around and the paint has been scratched away. There is paint on the ground up to several feet away.
"She will have to be taken away now and it's not safe for the public because the base is quite sharp.
"We are all just devastated, and heartbroken.
"So many people have put so much work into it and she was so beautiful.
"This is just mindless vandalism by idiots. If anyone does know anything they really need to contact the police."
Police are investigating the damage to the duck, and anyone with information should contact police quoting incident number 256/S of May 6.
Julie also stressed that the ducks should not be climbed or sat on.
Lady Victoria is the 10th duck in the trail, and was decorated by Megan Evans to pay tribute to the Blists Hill Victorian Town.
The ducks will stay on show in the gorge until July 8. They will then be on display in Southwater shopping centre in Telford from July 14 before being auctioned off in aid of local charities Severn Hospice and the Jayne Sargent Foundation.
Nicola Lowery, the borough councillor for Ironbridge Gorge, spoke of her disappointment.
Writing on Twitter, Councillor Lowery said: "Absolutely devastated about this and for everyone that has worked so hard on this project.
"Sadly the duck has been pulled off its frame and will need to be repaired. If anyone knows anything please do report and let’s show our support for #letsgoquackers."
