AN East Coast philanthropist is being commended after spending £50,000 on an imposing steel sculpture for Filey.

Maureen Robinson purchased the 12ft-high sculpture of a fisherman, entitled A High Tide In Short Wellies, by artist Ray Lonsdale.

It is Mrs Robinson’s second purchase in as many months, after buying a piece of artwork called Freddie Gilroy And The Belsen Stragglers, which has quickly become an iconic landmark in Scarborough.

Her latest purchase, on Filey’s Coble Landing, is intended to make a powerful statement about the decline of the fishing industry.

Rowena Marsden, Scarborough Borough Council culture officer, said: “This is another wonderful gesture by Mrs Robinson. The sculpture will be a great asset for Filey and will be enjoyed by residents and visitors to the town for many years to come.”