A GIANT white rhino is on the verge of being released into the wilds of Herefordshire after a brief stint in Hereford County Hospital.

The life-sized figure is the eight-month creation of Hereford nurse Helly Barber and it desperately needs a new home.

She said the original plan was to return the animal to the hospital on a permanent basis. However, health and safety issues had scuppered that idea.

Mrs Barber, a nurse who works in Gaol Street, made the model out of waste plaster cut-offs from the fracture clinic at the hospital.

"You could say that after a short stay at hospital, the rhino is feeling better and is ready to leave. I now hope we can find it a home in Herefordshire," said Mrs Barber who is taking the portfolio art course at Hereford College of Art. She had hoped to include the rhino in her show in June but found the model was too big for the show.

She added: "I think a rhino is a good symbol of defence and the plaster reminds me of the skin of the actual animal.

"It was a big project and I took buckets and buckets of waste material from the hospital, whose staff were very helpful, particularly Gary Jennings."

Anyone wanting to offer a home to the white rhino should contact Helly Barber on 01432 890719.

She added that transport would be provided to take the model from Hereford County Hospital.