AT 8ft long and 6ft tall, it would make an unusual Christmas present. The creators of the model blue whale, made of chicken wire and papier-mch, are looking for someone to give it a new home.

It was made for the Sunday School float at the Thirsk Festival Carnival in July as part of a Jonah and the Whale -themed entry.

Since then, it has been housed at St Mary's Church, in Thirsk, but with Christmas fast approaching, the space is needed for more festive decorations.

Sunday school teacher, Tracey Taylor said: "If it had been a bit more weatherproof, I think we could have found a lot of homes for it, but it is only showerproof, so it can't really stay outside.

"We hadn't really thought of what we would do with it afterwards."

Anyone who can give it a home can contact Tracey on (01845) 524360.