The polar bear sculpture at Glebe Shopping Centre in Stevenage has been cleaned to perfection to preserve its condition.

The 58-year-old statute provides local children with loads of amusement but needed renovation.

Stevenage Borough Council's community development team worked with Stevenage Museum to organise and carry out the cleaning and waxing of the sculpture.

The Comet: The Polar Bear sculpture was originally made in 1964 from Portland stone by local artist, Mark Harvey.The Polar Bear sculpture was originally made in 1964 from Portland stone by local artist, Mark Harvey. (Image: Courtesy of Robin Parker)

The work began a few weeks ago and finished with a wax on May 19.

It was funded by Stevenage Borough Council's community development team's budget and agreed by the councillors for Chells Ward and Manor Ward.

The Polar Bear sculpture was originally made in 1964 from Portland stone by local artist, Mark Harvey.

The Comet: (left to right): Paul Batterbee and Oonagh Sherlock from Stevenage Borough Council Community Development team cleaning and waxing the statue with Dawn from Stevenage Museum.(left to right): Paul Batterbee and Oonagh Sherlock from Stevenage Borough Council Community Development team cleaning and waxing the statue with Dawn from Stevenage Museum. (Image: Courtesy of Robin Parker)

He created other sculptures but sadly these were not preserved as they were made from wood materials.

Chells Ward and Manor Ward councillors thanked the staff for their hard work on the statue.

They said: "We hope that it will continue to amuse children of all ages for the future."