Striking statue of King Midas crafted from new £1 coins

A striking statue of the cursed King Midas has been created from thousands of new £1 coins.

The larger-than-life gold-coloured model required 2,000 un-circulated pounds which were then stuck with industrial glue all over the artwork.

The king's crown also needed forty £2 coins, which had to be dipped in cola and rubbed down in order to clean them up.

It is the latest sculpture to adorn the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry, Shropshire, which also houses the Knife Angel, created from blades handed in to police forces during amnesties.

King Midas' legend is a parable tale about the hazards of loving money, when he unwittingly transforms his daughter into solid gold.

The statue's creator Debbie Rees-Deacon, said she wanted to make people think about the real value of money, as both a blessing and a curse.

"I think he (King Midas) will be a favourite here."