Volunteers needed to carry Salisbury Giant in parades

The Salisbury Giant dates back to medieval times

Volunteers are needed to help carry a giant statue through a city's streets in a string of upcoming events.

The Salisbury Giant, which stands at 3.6m (12ft) tall, dates back more than 500 years.

A replica of the giant is brought out to celebrate significant events in Salisbury, continuing a custom that goes back to at least the 15th Century.

People are now being sought to carry the giant at a number of spring events including St George's Day celebrations.

Paul Sample said the tradition "won't exist" without volunteers and urged people to come forward.

Originally owned by the Tailor's Guild, the figure was used to display clothing produced by tailors in medieval Salisbury, when the town's prosperity was founded on the wool trade.

It was purchased by the city's museum in 1873 for 30 shillings (£1.50).

The giant was part of a parade through Exeter Street in Salisbury in 1919

Sometimes referred to as St Christopher, the giant later became a symbol of celebration and was often brought out alongside his horse, Hob Nob, to parade through the streets on significant dates like the coronation, carnivals and local civic events.

Volunteers known as 'whifflers' walk alongside the giant carrying processional guilds.

Mr Sample, chief whiffler, said: "Salisbury has probably the oldest and longest tradition of giants.

"It means that we have a real place in the folk history of England and it's really important internationally that we keep it going."

A replica of the 500-year-old statue is paraded through the streets during important events

This year's events start with a St George's Day procession on 28 April, and organisers are looking for seven volunteers to carry a replica of the giant.

"We're hopeful that lots of people will come forward as volunteers this year, to help us continue the tradition into years and decades, and centuries to come," Mr Sample said.

"He just had his cloak washed for the first time in about 30 years so he's ready to go, we just need help getting him there," he added.