IN 1963 a statue of was removed from its niche at the Parish Church in Cirencester so it could be restored but the figurine of St John was lost and never returned to its perch.

The statue was known as Black Jack as it was blackened by soot which had emanated from the now defunct nearby brewery, which has since become the New Brewery Arts centre.

It is thought by many that Black Jack Street in the town is named after the statue as it is perfectly aligned with the boulevard.

Now The Friends of Cirencester Parish Church, which supports the church, have set up a project to create a new Black Jack statue and Cirencester sculptor, Rory Young is set to design the figurine.

To give the project a funding boost, Cotswold District Council have donated £2,500 to the Friends of Cirencester Parish Church.

The cash has been sourced from money accidentally put in ticket machines in Cirencester town centre car parks during a free parking offer on Monday and Tuesday afternoons in February.

Lynden Stowe leader of the council, said: “It is bringing Black Jack back to Cirencester.

A lot put money in the machines. Rather than bank it, we though it would be right and proper to make a donation to a very worthwhile cause.”

“We have this money to make sure the initiative will go ahead.”