PETA reiterates calls for Jolly Fisherman to be retired from Skegness
It comes as interviews are underway to find someone to become the mascot
Animal rights group PETA has reiterated its calls for Skegness' Jolly Fisherman to be retired.
The charity first made calls for the mascot to be removed in 2015, instead suggesting that it should instead be replaced with the "Happy Plaice".
In a statement at the time, the charity explained: "The current Jolly Fisherman conveys the message that the mascot’s violent occupation is acceptable, but catching animals in nets and suffocating them or impaling them in the face with hooks is never OK.
"Fish are complex, sensitive animals who feel pain like the rest of us. Biologists have found that fish develop relationships with each other and grieve when their friends die."
Ten years on, the charity has once again called on the town to remove the mascot and replace it with something more animal-friendly.
The original Jolly Fisherman first appeared on a poster commissioned from 1908 for 12 guineas, as has since become a major part of the town's identity.
A statue of the Jolly Fisherman has also been erected in the town.
In response, local councillors have dismissed the claims, saying that the mascot is an "integral part" of the culture of the town.
An appeal was made last week for suitable people to become the mascot, wearing an outfit to become the Jolly Fisherman.
A total of ten people have since applied for the position, with interviews set to take place in the coming weeks.