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From the archives: 21 quirky and giant sights from across the Black Country and Staffordshire to make you smile

Our region has certainly seen its share of unusual and wonderful sights over the years.

Plus
By Tania Taylor
Published

Here’s a small selection, including a 1960 photo of a giant anchor made for the SS Canberra ocean liner, a gingerbread Hogwarts, and a tiny tortoise smaller than a Brussels sprout. 

Truffels bakery in Marsh Lane Parade, Oxley, created a number of unusual products as part of National Bread Week to raise money for the children's charity, Barnardo's. The photograph shows Joanne Dean of Low Hill with a giant gingerbread man in June 1993.
Truffels bakery in Marsh Lane Parade, Oxley, created a number of unusual products as part of National Bread Week to raise money for the children's charity, Barnardo's. The photograph shows Joanne Dean of Low Hill with a giant gingerbread man in June 1993.
A parade of giant Madeleine Carroll characters, as part of Sandwell Arts Festival, outside Central Sixth, West Bromwich, in 2015.
A parade of giant Madeleine Carroll characters, as part of Sandwell Arts Festival, outside Central Sixth, West Bromwich, in 2015.
February 10, 1960, the caption reads: 'This giant 10-ton Dreadnought-type anchor is one of three being made by the firm Samuel Taylor and Sons (Brierley Hill), Ltd., for the 45,000-ton liner Canberra, being built at Belfast. The ship is to be launched by Dame Patti Menzies in March.'
February 10, 1960, the caption reads: 'This giant 10-ton Dreadnought-type anchor is one of three being made by the firm Samuel Taylor and Sons (Brierley Hill), Ltd., for the 45,000-ton liner Canberra, being built at Belfast. The ship is to be launched by Dame Patti Menzies in March.'
Licensee Tracey Hilton hosts a guess the weight of a locally grown giant pumpkin competition at The Robin Hood, Willenhall, 2015.
Licensee Tracey Hilton hosts a guess the weight of a locally grown giant pumpkin competition at The Robin Hood, Willenhall, 2015.
In 1993, Martin Ashcroft was using a standard household toothbrush to clean Walsall's Sister Dora Statue, to raise money for vital medical equipment for Walsall Manor Hospital. The photograph shows Martin holding a giant toothbrush with Karen Widdowson.
In 1993, Martin Ashcroft was using a standard household toothbrush to clean Walsall's Sister Dora Statue, to raise money for vital medical equipment for Walsall Manor Hospital. The photograph shows Martin holding a giant toothbrush with Karen Widdowson.
Bake Off's Terry Hartill from Stourbridge is making a giant Hogwarts Gingerbread house in his kitchen. December 2020.
Bake Off's Terry Hartill from Stourbridge is making a giant Hogwarts Gingerbread house in his kitchen. December 2020.