A FIVE-METRE sculpture of a bear has been bathed in purple ahead of an historic event this summer.

The DunBear, created by renowned Scottish sculptor Andy Scott, was lit purple for two days earlier this month.

The display was to support Cancer Research UK’s Relay for Life, which is taking place in the town for the first time on June 25 to 26.

The fundraiser, which takes place at Hallhill Sports Centre, will see teams of people complete laps of a circuit for 24 hours to celebrate cancer survival, honour and remember loved ones, and show that together cancer can be beaten.

Elaine Lennon, chair of Relay for Life Dunbar and a cancer survivor, encouraged people to sign up.

She said: “The response from the communities of East Lothian has been great and we already have 15 teams registered, with a total of 195 participants joining the fight to beat cancer, with sold out fundraising events, sponsorship opportunities and more taking place.

“Together we will beat cancer by raising funds for the vital work of Cancer Research UK in Scotland.”

As well as the 24-hour walking challenge, there will be music, dancing, stalls, children’s activities and more.

Anyone looking to find out more should go to bit.ly/3lAIXF0

The sculpture – a tribute to Dunbar-born naturalist and conservationist John Muir – sits on the edge of the town near Asda and the A1.