A GOLDEN cockerel weathervane named Chicken Nugget - which proudly sits 100ft above Cradley - has been awarded a £1.5k grant by Tesco.

Created by sculptor, Luke Perry, the design is a replica of the old weathervane that was on top of the tower at St Peter's Church from 1875 until the mid-20th century when it was presumably removed for safety reasons.

The project was one of three that were part of a public vote in local Tesco stores and came out on top when voting closed at the start of the year.

It follows on the success of the salvage and restoration of the clock dial from the now demolished church of St Luke in nearby Cradley Heath which was installed on the church tower in 2021 after a £16k project.

Project Manager James Brookes said: "We are extremely grateful to Tesco Community Grants and Groundwork UK for awarding the project £1.5k, which has cleared the remaining debt from the project.

"Many thanks to everyone who took part in the public vote!"

Community Grants Champion, Paula Cope from Tesco in Cradley Heath visited the church to see Chicken Nugget and present a cheque for £1,500.

Parts of the weathervane, named by five-year-old Samuel Brookes, were gilded in gold leaf by Bridgnorth-based artist, Sean Counley.

The church is inviting the community to find out more about the project at a Heritage Day on Saturday September 23.

From 10am until 2pm there will be lots of old photographs on display, members of Cradley Then and Now History Group will be on hand to help visitors with family history and grave enquiries.

There will be face painting, gingerbread decorating, Teddy Bear Parachute Jumping from the tower and Tower Tours. 

At 2.30pm former church organist, James Turner who hails from Halesowen but now lives in the USA, will perform.