New paint job for lamb-banana

The Superlamb Banana is much loved by Liverpudlians

The Superlamb Banana - Liverpool's distinctive bright yellow sculpture - has been given a new lick of paint.

Usually bright yellow, it has been coloured pink to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The sculpture - which has the head of a sheep but the tail of a banana - is a prominent landmark on the southern edge of the city centre.

The charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer hopes it will raise awareness of the disease among the city's inhabitants.

The Superlamb Banana is normally bright yellow

The £35,000 sculpture is the work of Japanese artist Taro Chiezo.

It was created for the Artranspennine '98 Festival.

Its custodians, the Liverpool Architecture and Design Trust, allowed the charity to paint the sculpture after they were unable to contact its New York-based creator.

It will be repainted bright yellow at the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Liz MacPherson, from the charity, said: "The Superlamb Banana is so loved by the people of Liverpool and it's in such a great spot.

"It is bound to raise awareness of breast cancer in the city."