FINDING one giraffe outside Tesco would be surprising, even in Peebles. But when you discover it’s part of a two-for-one deal and isn’t even in the bargain aisle or has any yellow stickers attached? Well that would be a shock.

And that’s what happened to Gregor Millar who couldn’t believe his eyes on Wednesday when he was confronted by Gerry by a life-sized giraffe standing amongst trees behind the ‘Let’s be on the safe side sign.’

The bemused local resident told the Peeblesshire News: “I was just heading to the shops to get my lunch when I saw this massive giraffe at the Tesco. The cut out is really tall, it must be near enough the size of a real-life giraffe.

“I asked the staff in Tesco why it was there, but they were as surprised as me. It’s certainly quirky even if a bit more exotic than the previous cut outs that have been appearing across the town.”

At the same time, a frustrated youngster walking on the path between the cemetery and the golf club was desperately trying to convince his exasperated and sceptical mother that there was a giraffe in the woods.

No-one knew where the pair came from but an extensive investigation by the Peeblesshire News eventually got to the bottom of the matter.

Local man John Falla told us “Gerry and his brother Garry are part of a flash art project by Bonnie Peebles Plus to cheer up the people of the town.

“We also made the popular Betsy the Cow who was loved my everybody, especially the children before she was vandalised in the summer. And there is also a stag that appears in the town from time to time.

“People love the animals, and all the kids wave at them whilst some adults even like to talk to them and I know form speaking to folk that Betsy was badly missed. My granddaughter loves giraffes, so I decide to have two made for the town

“We decided to put Gerry at Tesco and his brother Garry between St Andrews Cemetery and Peebles Golf Club where lots of people will see them. Amusingly as we were putting up Garry, I heard a small boy shouting ‘Mum there’s a giraffe in the woods’ and his mum told him not to exaggerate.”

So what animal can the people of Peebles expect next?: “I wouldn’t like to say as it would spoil the surprise” John continued. “But something will appear in the summer. Oh and I’d like to tell everyone that Betsy is fully recovered and enjoying her retirement in a Peebles garden.”