A WELL-KNOWN Stockton sculpture is to be repaired almost a year after it was damaged.

The missing dog from the middle of the three greyhounds known as 'Racing Ahead' in the town centre is to be reunited with its two friends.

It was damaged during last year's Riverside Festival when it became dislodged, and has since been stored by Stockton Borough Council.

Councillor Suzanne Fletcher, who was chairman of the public arts panel that agreed to the sculpture, thought it has been forgotten about and asked what was happening at a recent meeting.

She said: "It is a well-known and much-loved piece of art.

"People have been asking me where the middle dog is and I thought it was about time we found out.

"I am pleased to say I have been assured that the rover will return."

Cabinet member for education, leisure and culture Councillor Alex Cunningham said the dog would be reinstalled on July 21, in time for this year's Riverside Festival, which is held from July 31 to August 3.

The cost of the repairs is £950. It is thought the model became dislodged when a car or van bumped into it.

Attempts to find out who was responsible were unsuccessful.