An investigation has been launched after a popular straw sculpture of Peter Rabbit at Snugburys ice cream parlour near Nantwich was destroyed by fire.

People have reacted with sadness on social media as the 40ft high straw figure was a well known feature on the landscape.

The sculpture of Peter Rabbit at Snugburys before and after the blaze
The sculpture of Peter Rabbit at Snugburys before and after the blaze

A fire engine from Nantwich tackled the blaze about 5.40pm yesterday (Thursday, February 2). Firefighters used a hosereel jet to extinguish the fire.

A firefighter tackles the blaze at the 40 ft Peter Rabbit straw sculpture at Snugburys near Nantwich on Thursday night
A firefighter tackles the blaze at the 40 ft Peter Rabbit straw sculpture at Snugburys near Nantwich on Thursday night

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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Peter Rabbit was an advert for the ice cream farm in Chester Road, Hurleston, which is popular with families. Previous straw sculptures have included a dalek, a cowboy on horseback, an Olympic cyclist, a meerkat and Big Ben.

View a gallery of photographs of the straw dalek

here