Plea to return Santa figure to landmark position

The light-up Santa was placed on top of the silo each year and could be seen for miles across Hull

A family are campaigning for a illuminated Father Christmas to return to public view.

For decades before every Christmas the Santa could be seen perched on an industrial silo owned by Cargill PLC near Morley Street, next to the River Hull.

Mick Covell, who died from cancer in 2010, would place the illuminated figure at the top of the silo every year.

Cargill PLC continued to display Santa in Mr Covell's honour when it moved from Morley Street to Oak Road in Hull, but family members say it is only visible to the company's staff and visitors rather than the general public.

'Piece of dad'

Mr Covell's son, Mike Covell, 46, who is a local historian and his sister, Michelle Covell, 50, said there were two decorative Santas, so that he could be seen from different directions.

Mike said his dad loved children.

"He wanted to create a bit of magic in the city.

"He was a working-class man and he knew how important it was to families to have things like that at Christmas time," he said.

Ms Goodhand said the light-up Santa was important to the whole family because it was like a "little piece of their dad".

"Everybody knows Mick Covell put it up", she said.

An online petition titled 'bring Santa back' was set up by Ms Covell.

Cargill PLC has been contacted for comment.

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