THE man who found Dan the dog of Sir Edward Elgar fame has returned him to Herefordshire Council with 'reluctance'.

But not before the carved wooden bulldog was walked through High Town shoppers in Hereford on Saturday in a protest move.

Canoeist Arthur 'Bimbo' Hoskins had recovered the sculpture from the River Wye two weeks before and claimed the council should have taken better care of him.

Dan was a feature near the riverside footpath opposite the Cathedral for nearly a year but became a victim of vandals who tossed him into the water.

Bimbo and sons Tom and Finny came across Dan in the river near the Bunch of Carrots, dragged him into their canoe and took him home.

They read about Dan's disappearance in the Hereford Times and phoned in to say they'd found him.

But Bimbo was loathe to return the dog to the council, claiming they had not made it secure.

It had cost £1,000 in public money to put Dan there in the first place and more care should have been taken.

Bimbo, Tom and Finny took Dan to High Town to make their point and to gather 350 signatures on a petition.

On Monday arts officer Melanie Batemen, with a council ranger went to Bimbo's home to collect Dan.

But not before an hour-long discussion in which Bimbo suggested that in return for the dog the council should consider some compensation.

He asked them for Three Choirs Festival tickets for a music lover in a residential home who would love to go, or permission to launch the family canoe into the Wye near Dan the dog or for 'something for his trouble.'

Dan is now being spruced up before being returned to his spot near the river bank and Melanie Bateman said he would be made more secure.

Tickets for Three Choirs and a limo ride too

ORGANISERS of Hereford Three Choirs Festival are delighted that Dan, the dog who inspired Sir Edward Elgar is back in time for the August spectacular.

To celebrate they are giving four free tickets for best seats in the Cathedral to a long-time supporter and Elgar fan.

They will go to John James, a former director of music at the Royal National College for the Blind who lives at Holmer Court Residential Home, Roman Road.

He was nominated by Arthur 'Bimbo' Hoskins whose wife Annette is manager of the home. Mr James was able to tell them the story of Dan and his Elgar links.

Liz Pooley, festival administrator, responded swiftly when she heard the request.

Mr James has been offered two tickets for two major concerts and the council will provide first-class limousine transport.

Mrs Hoskins said Mr James, who is blind, loves classical music and supports the Three Choirs Festival every year, was 'over the moon' at being such a special guest this year.