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Aveley giant set for French adventure

From the archive, first published Wednesday 2nd Apr 2008.

A GIANT from Aveley is travelling to France this April to represent Thurrock at the Festival of the Giants.

Avelyn the Giant, who stands at approximately 12 foot six inches tall, was created in conjunction with the arts company Strange Cargo and Aveley Primary School.

The project was funded by the Thames Gateway Creative Partnership of Basildon and Thurrock, and the Aveley Community Forum.

She was introduced to residents on June 30 2007, in a ceremony where she was awakened by Thurrock Mayor Diane Revell.

Treasurer of the Aveley Giant Committee, Karen Barnes, said: "Avelyn was created to represent Thurrock and its people as a whole, her dress is inspired by the countryside, landscape and road network.

"She is very special and we hope that the people of Thurrock will welcome and cherish her."

Avelyn will begin her representation of Thurrock in Grand Fort Philippe on April 6, joining the French Giant Parade along with other giants from England, France and Belgium.

She has also been invited to parade in Hastings and Liverpool.

The committee hope that in the future Thurrock will host its own giant carnival and that other giants from France, Belgium and the United Kingdom will parade through the borough.

The Aveley Giant Committee are currently organising their diary for the year and are welcoming any requests from schools or organisations who would like Avelyn at their event.

They are also looking for local businesses to sponsor her.