Giant fox stars in Rotherham street festival

A giant fox puppet paraded through Rotherham town centre to highlight environmental issues and celebrate the high street

A 16ft (5m) high, mechanical fox riding a scooter has been the star of a street parade in South Yorkshire.

It was animated by two puppeteers from the inside and met a giant specially created host puppet named Reign at Rotherham street carnival.

The carnival, organised by Rotherham Borough Council, was held to celebrate the high street.

Amy Lilley from the council said bringing the puppet to the carnival had been "an amazing opportunity".

A huge puppet called Reign was also paraded through the streets on Saturday

Manuela Benini from Emergency Exit Arts, the group which created the fox puppet, said: "Farrah was commissioned by Historic England to celebrate culture and bring different life to high streets.

"We wanted to reimagine what the high streets of the future are: places of culture, of celebration, where communities come together through arts and culture."

Ms Benini said the giant puppet had also brought "a little inspiration to Rotherham".

The event was devised by Historic England and Emergency Exit Arts with artistic director, Manuela Benini (pictured above)

Meanwhile Ms Lilley, events manager at Rotherham Borough Council, said: "We had an amazing opportunity to bring Farrah the Fox to our parade about the environment and nature and how we can do things to combat climate change."

Historic England said a fox was chosen because they were "known for their resilience and ability to adapt, just like our high streets have done over the years".

During the festivities the fox puppet was introduced to Reign, a giant puppet made from recyclable materials which organisers said represented the Spirit of the River Don and "Rotherham's heritage and spirit".

Puppeteer Mitchell Nuttall said Rotherham specialised in putting on "really good festivals"

Summing up the day, Rotherham puppeteer, Mitchell Nuttall, said: "When it comes to Rotherham people you put something on in Rotherham town centre and they will come.

"We love a day out to do something different, no matter the weather."