Samson the gorilla was another story ... against other re-creations but also against the world’s best real-animal taxidermy. She won the top prize in the re-creations category.

Most long-term residents of Nottingham will at the very least be aware of George the Gorilla: a well-loved taxidermy exhibit ...

She said: "We weren't sure if George was one gorilla specimen. "With taxidermy it's quite normal if there are problems with the skin or individual, they will be patched with other animals ...