A DYING gladiator could be given a new life after Lincoln University staff offered to restore a crumbling Brigg statue.

The statue, depicting a dying gladiator, currently lies above the doorway of the now derelict Dying Gladiator Inn in Bigby Street.

Now Rachel Faulding, senior lecturer in conservation at Lincoln University and former Brigg resident, is offering the services of her department to restore the statue to its former glory.

Brigg Town councillor Penny Smith stumbled upon the renovation opportunity while out on a walk.

She said: "I was walking with Rachel's sister, who put me in touch with her at the university and we've taken it from there.

"We have two options as to whether to have the professionals at the university do the work, or allow the students at the university to renovate the statue for a lower price.

"We are hoping whoever takes over the building would like to look after the statue, although we do have other options.

"It would be great for Brigg to be able to keep in touch with its history and we're very encouraged by the amount of interest shown in saving the statue."

The statue was erected in 1863 and was sculpted by William Clark.

The artist found the inspiration for the statue after visiting the Dying Gaul statue in the Vatican museum.

The Dying Gladiator Inn, recorded as the only pub of that name in the UK, took on the ownership of what was initially known as The Stone Boy, when the property was converted from a private school to a public house.

If relocated, there have been suggestions the gladiator could be installed in the courtyard of The Angel Inn, also in Bigby Street.

Councillor Mike Campion said: "It's an integral part of Brigg. I've lived here for more than 20 years and it's been part of the furniture since well before I arrived.

"It is vital for our heritage that it is restored, although we may have to relocate the statue if the building changes purpose.

"As it stands the statue isn't safe, so there is no time like the present in securing the gladiator's future."

The Dying Gladiator Inn is currently a historic listed building, with Brigg Town Council campaigning to have the interior listing lifted, so new owners can renovate the property.

The statue is one of only three copies in the UK of The Dying Gaul, a Roman statue thought to have been commissioned around 230BC.

Other versions of the statue are housed at Cambridge University and at the Courtauld Gallery in London.

For the full story see today's Scunthorpe Telegraph.