THE legendary giant of Hale is being revived just yards from his home.

John Middleton, who was so tall he had to sleep with his feet sticking out of the window, is being commemorated as a new statue in the village.

A bronze casting demonstration on techniques being used to craft the huge figure was held at Hale Park Pavilion on Saturday.

Castle Fine Arts Foundry showed visitors the casting process used to create the colossal monument.

The three metre Childe of Hale sculpture is in the final stages of completion and will be placed in front of the Manor House, near Withins Way.

John Middleton, who died in 1623, was said to be the same size as Biblical warrior Goliath, and grew in fame as well as height when he beat the King's wrestler and won a cash prize.

The development is part of a £650,000 Big Lottery grant, in partnership with Halton Council, which has already funded improvements to the village park and promoted the area’s local history.

In 1996, a dead beech tree in Hale was transformed into a Childe of Hale carving, which many residents and visitors came to love and accept as an iconic part of the local landscape.

The old tree, carved by the sculptors Phil Bews and Geoff Wilson, deteriorated, became infested with woodworm and disease and had to be removed for safety reasons last year.

Halton Council deputy leader and Hale Councillor, Clr Mike Wharton said: "Work will be completed on the sculture soon and will represent a fascinating addition to Hale’s heritage."