A FUNDRAISING drive to replace a sea serpent figurehead which has sat proudly on the front of the National Trust’s Steam Yacht Gondola on Coniston Water for 35 years has been launched.

Affectionately known by the crew as ‘Sid, more than three decades on Coniston Water have taken their toll on him.

Regular repairs, refurbishments and makeovers have kept Sid looking his best during this time, but there’s only so much filling and patching that can be done.

The wood is now rotten to its core which means the team need to raise £5,000 to have him re-carved in hardwood and decorated in gold leaf paint.

The cost of replacing Sidney is beyond the level that can be absorbed in Gondola’s general running costs.

Suzi Bunting, visitor experience development manager for Gondola, said: "Sid not only represents our link to Gondola’s Victorian history but his forked tongue, according to maritime myth, is said to ward off bad weather. That’s some achievement in the changeable climate of the Lake District. Gondola just wouldn’t be Gondola without Sid so we’re working hard to ensure enough money is raised to keep him sailing across Coniston.”

Donations to Sid’s fundraising campaign can be made by: Text GOND15 £X to 70070.

Collection boxes are also on board.