A SCULPTURE of a famous York duck is set to be unveiled in the city later this month.

As revealed by The Press a life-sized bronze statue of Long Boi, who lived on the University of York's campus, is currently being designed after he was declared missing presumed dead by officials.

On social media a spokesman for the University of York student's union said it will be unveiled on BBC Radio 1 on Thursday, September 26.

They said: "This memorial would not have been possible without the support of our incredible community, who keep Long Boi’s memory and legacy alive.

"Through art work, fundraisers, and even a few tattoos, you’ve ensured that Long Boi remains ever present in our hearts.

"Those who donated to the statue fundraiser and opted in for email updates will be contacted later this week with information on how to reserve a place at the unveiling event."

 

 

Students set up a fundraising page last year to get a sculpture of the duck, which reached £5,347 and it has been created by award-winning sculptor Neil R Mason.

He said: "I looked into the backstory of Long Boi and there was a number of things that appealed to me and I was really taken aback by the story and the fun of it.

"It also spoke to my commitment of mental health and student wellbeing was a big key part of Long Boi.

"The university also seemed to be quite pro-physiological wellbeing so that was quite appealing.

"It's obviously wildlife so that got me quite inspired and energised and that really got me interested.

"I think they might have struggled to get the bronze statue with their budget but it's such a good story so I said I would get it done."

The clay mould for the statue was hand-carved by Neil and has now been shipped to Greece so it can be cast in bronze.

He said he looked 'extensively' at pictures of Long Boi from his Instagram account, which has nearly 60,000 followers, to work out what he looked like in person.

Neil, of West Wales, said: "I've not been able to see Long Boi because he's not at the campus anymore.

"There was an Instagram account for him so I used that quite extensively to work out what he would look like."

Long Boi went missing in early 2023.

In May that year the University of York said it had "been forced to conclude" he had died.