Disappearance of popular fire-breathing dragon on Anglesey explained by owners

The sudden disappearance of a well-known Anglesey dragon has now been explained. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

The fire-breathing figure, named ‘Arthur’, is normally seen outside Chateau Rhianfa in Menai Bridge – but recently seemed to vanish in a puff of smoke. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

The disappearance of the dragon, a favourite with youngsters and young-at-heart motorists who pass by it, sparked concerns about its whereabouts. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

But it has now been confirmed ‘Arthur’ was involved in “an unfortunate accident” and is currently “being taken care of”. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

Chateau Rhianfa confirmed they had received numerous phone calls from people concerned over the dragon’s whereabouts. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

A spokesman said: “Arthur was sadly involved in an unfortunate accident recently when he got clipped by a wide-load lorry, but we are hoping to get him fixed up again if it is possible. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

“We just want to reassure any youngsters that are worried about Arthur that he is currently being taken care of at a special dragon hospital!” ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

The ten foot bright red character, which emits steam from its mouth resembling smoke, is a regular site overlooking the A545 – the main road between Menai Bridge and Beaumaris. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

When it was first installed about six years ago the fun character initially got some locals hot under the collar. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

Some had said it was “unsightly” and the statue was also investigated by planning officials. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

However, a campaign to ‘Save the Dragon’ was launched on Facebook and it went on to gather many more fans over the years with locals and visitors. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

Its recent disappearance sparked curiosity. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

One family, with two primary school aged children, who live in the Beaumaris area, contacted North Wales Live after their youngsters had expressed “disappointment” at not seeing their favourite dragon. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

The dad said: “He seems to have completely disappeared in a puff of smoke! Our children kept saying where has the dragon gone? ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

“He has become part of the fabric of our lives, and I am sure many other people. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

“We always look out for him and the children point him out to visitors. They were so disappointed that he had gone.” ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​

By Dale Spridgeon – Local Democracy Reporter ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌​​​