Gorilla on roof in Backwell - latest

A Backwell construction company has a big white gorilla walking on all fours along its roof.

A white model of the ape carrying a bucket of tools has appeared at Paul Allen Construction, at Station Road – the old Backwell library building.

If this is one of the Wow! Gorillas bringing art to the masses it isn't on any map issued by Bristol Zoo which is behind the 175th anniversary stunt.

Wow! Gorillas is intended to bring the arts and business communities together by showcasing the creative genius that has given Bristol its unique and vibrant culture.

Artists have decorated life-size gorillas which are sponsored by businesses and are on show for 10 weeks until Wednesday, September 7.

It is mostly an urban event in partnership with Bristol City Council and Wild in Art to encourage tourists and residents to take a fresh look at their environs and encourage exploration.

North Somerset has only two gorillas listed – one at Bristol Airport and another at the Watchhouse, Pill.

It is hoped Wow! Gorillas will also raise significant funds to support gorilla conservation projects and the Wallace and Gromit's Grand Appeal for the Bristol Children's Hospital and St Michael's neonatal intensive care unit.

Perhaps Mr Allen will let us know?

UPDATE: Well apparentely there isn't a Mr Allen this is just the name of the company and yes it is part of the Wow! Gorillas event.

The gorilla in Backwell and the one which has appeared in the charity shop window of the Children's Hospice South West are small models of the full size versions dotted around Bristol city centre and in other prominent places.

Paul Alan Construction Ltd office manager Kim Dyer said: "We have a gorilla on our roof to support a very worthwhile charity and to make people smile and brighten up their day.

"It went up on Wednesday and you should have seen the amazement of the faces of the children going to school."

Mrs Dyer said that the construction company support many charities and community initiatives especially those involving unprivileged children.

She added only recently director Nigel Cottle agreed to keep the vandalised red phone box in good order.

Backwell Parish Council is adopting the red telephone box on the main A370.

Once BT has replaced the broken door the company has agreed to maintain the icon structure which was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and once a familiar sight on the streets of the United Kingdom.