Cut down to size, the giant makes way for the arts centre's refurbishment. DA4677P4THE replica of Salisbury's famous giant, Christopher, has been saved from destruction and has been given a temporary home in Fordingbridge, thanks to funeral director Ian Newman.

But the future of the 15ft giant, a popular attraction with his hobby horse Hob Nob at ceremonial events in Salisbury, now lies in the hands of Salisbury residents.

The original Christopher, which dates back several centuries, is on display in Salisbury Museum.

The replica was made a decade or so ago by Mike Pringle and a team of dedicated volunteers because the original is too fragile and old to make public appearances.

Since then, Christopher and Hob Nob have regularly appeared in St George's Day parades in Salisbury and at other ceremonial events.

For the past two years, they have been stored at Salisbury Arts Centre, but they became homeless last week when the interior of the arts centre was stripped in readiness for builders moving in this week to start on a massive refurbishment project.

Jonathan Russell, better known as Salisbury's Jonathan the Jester, desperately tried to find somewhere for Christopher to go and, at the eleventh hour, Mr Newman stepped forward to offer the giant a home in storage in Fordingbridge.

Mr Russell said: "The storage period is indefinite and Mr Newman has offered to be Christopher's custodian.

"We are grateful to the arts centre for giving him a home but he cannot return there.

"A group in York offered to take him and even the city of Barcelona wants him, because they have regular parades of giants. But surely it is preferable for Christopher to stay in Salisbury? He is part of the city's heritage.

"There are several giants in this country but most are too old to go out and ours is one of only three that makes regular public appearances at outside functions."

Mr Russell said the hobby horse Hob Nob had been damaged but he has promised to repair the horse. He said that what was really needed was someone, or an organisation, who could provide a permanent home and be prepared to take Christopher out for St George's Day parades and other ceremonial events in the city.

Mr Russell said: "If anyone has a suggestion, they can contact me on 01722 710647. We have managed to save Christopher from destruction - now it is up to the people of Salisbury to come forward with ideas to secure his long-term future."