THE artist behind an iconic public work of art in Greenock has stepped in to save the day after it was wrecked by vandals.

We reported how the popular Yardmen figures, which took pride of place on the waterfront, had been destroyed by mindless yobs, sparking outrage.

Jason Orr, creative director of the community project Rig Arts, had created the sculptures with the aim of paying tribute to the working lives of ordinary people who built some of the world's greatest ships.

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When they were discovered destroyed, local councillor Jim Clocherty accused those responsible of trashing their own heritage.

Greenock Telegraph: Yardmen vandalism

But now in a labour of love the artist has painstakingly recreated and reinforced his work so that it can withstand any future damage.

Jason, who is also the art director on top Scottish TV soap River City, said: "It was something that I felt was so important to do.

"It is an artwork that really celebrates the heritage of Inverclyde and a community that I am very much part of. I wanted to make sure that they were still there.

"It was such a shame to see them damaged.

"It did take some time to recreate the figures but I am hoping they are more robust now."

Jason says people are pleased to see he is not lying down to the vandals.

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But he added: "The response from people has been incredible. When I was down at the waterfront installing them people were coming up to say how much they'd missed them.

"It is a great talking point and a project I am very proud to be part of."

The Yardmen have proved a popular feature on the waterfront, giving people the chance to reminisce about an industry that has all but disappeared.

The artwork was produced as part of a community project past, present and future, funded by Sustrans as part of the National Cycle Network.

Artists Tragic O'Hara and Alan Potter were also involved in the effort to celebrate Inverclyde's heritage, natural landscape and hopes for the future.

The materials used by Jason symbolise the strength of steel and the red marine paint used on bows of ships gives a nod to the Red Clydeside era, a period of political radicalism in the early part of the 20th century.