AN ABANDONED Newport whale has finally been given a name following a month-long campaign to bring the sculpture back into the community.

Formerly known as ‘whaley’ throughout the mosaic project, the whale was finally given the name ‘Mosy’ on Saturday when Newport mayor, Matthew Evans, pulled the name out of a hat.

The name was chosen by international mosaic artist Se Van Weert, who came over from Holland to take part in the ‘up-cycling’ project.

Around 100 names were submitted to the project which aimed to support the worldwide campaign ‘Say NO To Whaling’, aiming to raise awareness of the need to stop hunting whales as the species dies out.

The project at Newport’s Project Space, was led by mosaic artist Stephanie Roberts, who saw 300 votes cast to name the whale with five finalists picked from a hat.

Ms Roberts came up with the idea to create a piece of recycled art for Newport made by the people of the city, after discovering the abandoned whale from the Newport Centre in a dump.

Mrs Roberts was thrilled at the project’s success.

She said: “Se Van Weert who chose the winning name was delighted her choice.

“She has donated her prize – tickets to see Stomp on behalf of The Riverfront Theatre and a family day out on behalf of Newport Bus, to one of the girls who helped out, volunteer Lottie Pobjoy from Newport.”