Giant Manx deer skeleton dismantled for 'laser cleaning'

A giant deer skeleton, excavated in the Isle of Man more than a hundred years ago, has been dismantled for cleaning and conservation, the Manx Museum said.

The deer, which has an antler span of more than 8.5ft (2.6m) was discovered in 1897 in a marl pit near St John's.

It will now undergo major repairs before being cleaned with lasers.

Manx National Heritage said the "significant" exhibit has not been conserved since it was put on display a century ago.

The articulated skeleton was originally displayed in the temporary museum at Castle Rushen in 1905 before being transported to the Manx museum in the 1950s.

It currently stands in the museum's Prehistoric gallery.

Conservator Christopher Weeks said: "Generations of visitors to the Manx Museum have enjoyed the Giant Deer Skeleton and it seems to be one of the most memorable items from childhood visits to the museum.

"We will be looking to remove past repairs that are failing and ease some of the stresses it has suffered over the course of its display lifetime so that it can be experienced in its best light and enjoyed for future generations".