A SKELETON that has been hanging in a school science lab for four decades is finally getting buried — but nobody knows who the remains belong too.

Haydock High School used the same bony frame in lessons for many years to teach pupils about the human body. After its time in the science department was up, the skeleton was moved to the art department, where it had the name ‘Art-hur’ bestowed on to it.

However, with the art teachers no longer needing it, the plan is to give ‘Art-hur’ a proper burial before the end of November.

Undertaker Bill Craddock has donated a wicker basket for the final resting place and has organised Greenacres Woodlands in Rainford to carry out the burial, a minister to say prayers there, a hearse for transport from the school and tests to determine whether the skeleton is male or female.

But the mystery of the skeleton's identity remains a mystery.

Staff are trying to find anyone who has any information on how the skeleton came to be used at the school.

Any former pupils or staff members with any information are welcome to come forward to help solve the mystery and put some flesh and bones on the story.;

“We don't know how long it has been here and the school has checked their records and all previous members of staff have been accounted for — they all actually left the school building when they retired or moved on!” said Gill White, the school’s examinations officer.

“Haydock High would like to thank Bill for his time and services which he has given for free as he has been a great help and asset to the school as we try to determine the story behind the skeleton which may be ‘Art-hur’ or ‘Art-her’!”

Anyone with information relating to the story is asked to get in touch with Gill White at the school on 01744 678835 or email info@haydockhigh.sthelens.org.uk