Lucky nose on show again

For years, the bust of Thomas William Burgess, who swam the English

Channel in September 1911, was on display in the Sheffield Road swimming baths in his home town of Rotherham.

It was supposedly good luck for those competing in galas at the venue to rub its nose before a race, but when the baths closed the bust was placed in storage.

Collections Officer for Rotherham Council Karl Noble, shown admiring the bust, said: "Burgess really is one of those sporting greats whose name has slipped from the record books somewhat. But he was, without doubt, one of our local greats and we're glad to be able to celebrate him as such. He managed to cross the channel, which was an even more massive feat those days than it is now, at the 16th attempt. Maybe he rubbed his nose on that 16th time and that's where the legend came from."

The bust is part of a display of Rotherham Sporting Greats, which also includes four Olympic and Paralympic athletes, Paul Goodison, Peter Elliott, Kevin Hayes and cyclist Ben Swift.