Seaside visitors can have a Jolly good time again

A popular mascot is returning to Skegness after a plea for volunteers to take on the role.

Skegness Town Council feared The Jolly Fisherman would be left on the shelf this summer if no one could be found.

However, the appeal was successful and a volunteer has come forward to play the character.

Councillor Julie Sadler, who will return as Jolly's minder for the third time, said: "I love how Jolly makes people feel, especially the children. Both children and adults love him".

The character, who has a statue on a fountain outside the railway station, also features on gifts and souvenirs and is known for giving "non-stop" hugs.

Sadler said she was looking forward to working with Jolly again and recalled them welcoming visitors off the train at Skegness station 10 years ago.

"As soon as Jolly walks out he makes people happy. It's nice to give back to the community," she said.

Former mayor and occasional mascot minder, councillor Steve Kirk, had appealed for volunteers to come forward to become Jolly.

He said: "Jolly goes to events with the mayor, that's our policy.

"This summer has been really hot, so mascots have difficulty staying cool."

The minder is also important, because they are Jolly's eyes and ears, he said.

The character was created in 1908 by artist John Hassall for the Great Northern Railway to attract visitors to the town.

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