Normally we wouldn’t encourage filling up seals with plastic bottles, but in this case we would! Yes, folks Bonzo the recycling seal has arrived on the promenade.

Filey now has its own giant seal sculpture, which doubles as a recycling depository for empty drinks cans and plastic bottles. The metalwork sculpture of the seal, named Bonzo after Filey’s famous seal that was saved by local fishermen and became a local attraction for many years, will hopefully encourage folk to recycle their disposable drink containers, rather than leave them on the beach where they end up in the sea.

The new Bonzo is located at the bottom of Cargate Hill, next to the water fountain, looking out towards Filey Brigg. The sculpture was hand-forged by Godbold Blacksmiths of Egton, and was unveiled by the Mayor of Filey, Councillor Jacqui Houlden-Banks.

Children from Filey Junior School and Filey Church of England Nursery and Infants Academy were amongst the first to see and ‘feed’ Bonzo. They also joined representatives of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Keep Filey Tidy and Active Filey in a beach litter pick.

Scarborough Borough Council led the commissioning and installation of Bonzo in partnership with Filey Town Council. The sculpture has been funded by SBC’s Project Sunshine scheme, which aims to tidy up and improve areas of public realm throughout the borough.

Councillor Tony Randerson, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said:

“Not only does Bonzo looks fantastic on the promenade, he is all set to play an important role in helping to prevent rubbish from ending up the sea.

“I encourage people to do their bit to protect our marine life and keep Filey rubbish free by filling Bonzo with their empty cans and plastic bottles during their visit to the seafront.”

Councillor Jacqui Houlden-Banks, Mayor of Filey, said:

“Filey welcomes Bonzo the seal to his new home on our beautiful seafront.

“Not only is he a lovely modern sculpture he will carry out an important function.

“We hope he will provide a focus and reminder to people to recycle their rubbish in a fun way, which will help us to keep our award-winning beach in perfect condition for all to enjoy.”