Derek the playground dinosaur to get a glow-up
Junction Arts are hoping they'll be able to give Derek a prehistoric glow-up
- Published
A dinosaur that has 'lived' in a Derbyshire playground for almost fifty years is getting a glow-up.
The massive concrete sculpture known as Derek the Dinosaur was created by a community arts charity called Junction Arts in 1977.
Now the charity is fundraising to be able to give the much-loved landmark a new lease of life.
The idea is for people living in the area, particularly young people, to help shape his new appearance and story.
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Derek arrived through a Junction Arts' summer play schemes, with the involvement of local residents and children.
But not much else is known about the sculpture's original purpose or the full story behind how it was created.
The charity's boss Emily Bowman said: "Derek's past is something of a mystery, but we know he's been through a lot... Now, as Derek approaches his 50th birthday, we think it's time for a fresh start!"
In many cases kids, their parents and grandparents will have memories of playing with Derek
One resident Nicola Hill said she remembers having "a lot of fun climbing onto its back then sliding down the tail, but trying to climb back up the tail was a task".
"It needs bringing back to how it was", she added.
The sculpture will be given essential repairs and improvements to help ensure it is safe and durable, as well as a fresh lick of paint for both Derek and the park.
Junction Arts is also asking people to share their memories of the unusual dino, in the hope of creating a storybook which will help explore Derek's history and imagine his future.