A MONSTER model of a prehistoric creature that was on display in a York museum for more than a decade has found a new home with a dinosaur-loving boy.

Peter Williamson, of Riccall, near Selby, bought the exhibit on impulse as a Christmas present for his 11-year-old nephew, Jack, after it was removed from the Yorkshire Museum as part of a £2 million refurbishment of the building.

Mr Williamson said the 5ft long fibre-glass and plaster amphibian – which he bought on eBay for £69 – was an ideal gift for Jack because he was animal mad and loved dinosaurs.

He will take the model – which the museum claims was viewed by about one million visitors – down to Jack’s home in Norwich some time in the new year.

He said of his purchase: “I have to admit I was slightly apprehensive about telling my sister, Jack’s mum, Cathy, and my brother-in-law, Tom.

“Luckily they loved it, even when they realised how big it was.

“After all, how many children will be getting a life-size prehistoric amphibian for Christmas this year?”

The model is of an amphibian of the kind that would have roamed the tropical swamps that covered Yorkshire 312 million years ago.

It was from the Upper Carboniferous period, when many of the coal seams in Britain were formed.

The money from the sale will help pay for the museum revamp.

Mr Williamson said: “I once worked at a museum in Lancaster while studying for my degrees and I appreciate the work that goes on behind the scenes. That’s why I’m delighted that the funds raised will go towards the refurbishment of this fine museum in York.”

A spokesman for the York Museums Trust, which manages the Yorkshire Museum, said: “We’re delighted our model is going to such an excellent home and hope it stimulates Jack’s interests still further.

“We’re very grateful to Mr Williamson for his contribution to our funds.”