Famously tall duck called Long Boi memorialised at remembrance service

‘We love them because they show us the best of ourselves and when you get the chance to celebrate silliness and animals at the same time you have to seize it with both hands.’

The sculpture of the Indian runner mallard duck will stand near the lake at Derwent College on the campus, which was one of his favourite haunts, the university said.

It said a clay mould of the life-sized statue was hand carved by award-winning wildlife sculptor Neil Mason before it was shipped to Greece for bronze casting.

The university’s students’ union raised the money to pay for the statue, saying it would ensure Long Boi ‘remains ever present in our hearts’.

In an interview before the ceremony, University of York vice chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery said: ‘Long Boi was such an iconic figure here, so popular with students and we’ve got an absolutely packed-out commemoration ceremony, it’s going to be brilliant.

‘I met Long Boi on a number of occasions.

‘It was quite striking how engaging and friendly he appeared … Long Boi became a symbol of community, channelling the great spirit that we have at the university.’

During the ceremony, celebrities including cricketer Jonny Bairstow, and actors Andrew Garfield and Jodi Whittaker all gave tributes to Long Boi, the university said.

The students’ union Sing Song Society sang a Long Boi version of Hot To Go by Chappell Roan, and there was a minute of quacking as the statue was unveiled.

Speaking at the ceremony, University of York art curator Helena Cox, said: ‘It is believed by myself and by this mighty institution that if you rub the beak of Long Boi, your essays will sparkle with genius, your exams shall be a breeze and luck will follow you wherever you go.

‘I hope you have a great time unveiling the sculpture today, and remember: whenever life gets difficult, go and rub that beak for good luck. You have the curator’s blessing.’