ONE of the 17 life-sized hogs which was vandalised has been removed from the free art sculpture trail around Basingstoke after it was ripped from its plinth and thrown on the grass.

As previously reported, the nature inspired hog, called Sylvester, created by artist Jillian Smith, had its tail broken off just days after going on display earlier this month.

Then, a few days later, Jillian said the hog was ripped off its plinth by the fountains near Eastrop Park and thrown onto the grass.

The artist now has Sylvester at Holy Trinity Church, in Ashe, where she has been repairing the damage caused by vandals.

However, the popular pig will not be returning to its previous location on the trail and will instead be put inside The Willis Museum.

Jillian told the Gazette: “I was really cheesed off and disappointed. They are going to be auctioned to raise money for charity so I hope it doesn’t stop him being sold.

“I’m disappointed that he won’t be on public display, as it defeats the whole point of the trail which is meant to be for the public to enjoy for free.”

Jillian, a watercolour artist who spent around 60 hours painting the pig, said those following the trail are welcome to come and watch her restore him to his former glory at the church, where he will be during the Hampshire Open Studios event from August 26 to 30, before he is taken to The Willis Museum at the Top of Town.

The Hampshire Hogs trail was launched by Destination Basingstoke, with the sculptures all designed and painted by local artists representing aspects of life, heritage, culture, and countryside in Hampshire.

The popular piggies, who can be found by chance or by downloading a special app, will be auctioned off to raise money for charity in October.

Destination Basingstoke’s managing director Felicity Edwards previously expressed her disappointment after Sylvester had his tail broken off. She told the Gazette: “It’s a big shame. They are there for everyone’s enjoyment and they are going to be sold for charity so any damage could impact on that and people’s enjoyment. It’s sad and disappointing for the artist and sponsor.

“We hope people will respect and enjoy the hogs and look after them. They are something really positive for the town.”

She said Sylvester will be "kept safe" at The Willis Museum and details on the app will be changed to let people know he can be found there. 

She said another hog at Milestones Museum has also been temporarily removed for repair work following some "enthusiastic cuddling". 

For more information about the Hampshire Hogs trail visit https://www.destinationbasingstoke.co.uk/hogs/.