A NEW lease of life has been given to popular wooden wildlife play sculptures in Poole.

The Green Team from cosmetics company Lush volunteered to paint the clifftop sculptures with decking oil to help to protect them against the effects of the weather.

Five giant beasts are to be found in Pinecliff Gardens, overlooking the beach between Canford Cliffs and Branksome Chine.

The two dolphins, a sand lizard, a green tiger beetle and a wood ant were carved and installed by Andrew Frost in 2009.

“We are lucky to have local organisations in Poole who encourage and support their staff to make a difference in their local community and environment,” said Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for a prosperous and sustainable Poole.

“Lush is a prime example of this and we cannot thank them enough for their efforts over the years.

“Children have been playing with these fantastic sculptures since they were first installed and the work carried out by Lush means that children can continue to play with them for many years to come.”

Cllr May Haines, who represents the Canford Cliffs ward on Borough of Poole, added: “Pinecliff Gardens is a much treasured open space and we are grateful to Lush for their contribution to our local area which will also benefit anyone that uses these fabulous sculptures.”

Beccy Wakeford, green co-ordinator at Lush said: “This was a great opportunity for the Green Team to volunteer again within the local community.

“The sculptures have been brilliantly crafted so deserve to be looked after and the Green Team were more than happy to help.

“Pinecliff Gardens is a beautiful site and is enjoyed by many.

“Even though it was a slightly messy task, it was great fun and very worthwhile.”

Lush staff have also painted the fence around the Hamworthy Park play area and planted trees and wildflowers in the borough.

Earlier in the year a 100-strong team did a Holes Bay shore clean, collecting and removing 1,000kg of rubbish.