The iconic sculpture of the woodpecker which has stood outside Bulmers office in Herefordshire for over 30 years has taken flight. However the piece has not travelled far.

It has been cleaned and regalvanised and placed on a new plinth on the opposite side of the road thanks to a team from Amey and a flat bed truck.

Walenty Pytel, who created the original piece about 35 years ago told the Ross Gazette that he was delighted with the change of position. He said it is in a much better place now as people entering Hereford to visit the Art College or the supermarket will be able to see it.

Walenty recalled how Sir Peter Scott had said to him when he unveiled the original:?"There are 58 varieties of woodpecker this must be the 59th."

Walenty is very fond of this sculpture as it was his first major commission and the one which made him decide to concentrate on wildlife. He said:?"This was the piece which really started my career."

Walenty feels he has now recovered after suffering a terrible accident at his Hartleton Lake home in Ross and is working better than ever. He said that there seems to be a renewal of interest in his work and it is being appreciated again. He said:?"The important thing to me is to produce works of art which will last for over 200 years."

He added:?"I am creating even better work since my accident and I am just so enthusiastic again.

The work to carry out the move took place on Tuesday, October 18th.