The Hopmarket Charity has partnered up with a social landlord and an insurance company in support of Worcester's penguin themed art trail this summer.

The charity, along with Platform Housing Group and Sutcliffe & Co, are jointly funding a large penguin sculpture, one of 40, which along with 40 chicks, will be displayed on Worcester streets and public areas for eight weeks starting Monday, July 22.

This display is part of the great Waddle of Worcester, hosted by the St Richard's Hospice.

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Bill Simpson, chairman of the Hopmarket Charitable Trust, said: "We absolutely loved being part of the previous giraffe and elephant trails by sponsoring a sculpture and hosting another here within The Hopmarket.

"It created a real buzz around the place and the wider city."

“St Richard’s Hospice provides a wonderful service to our community so we’re proud to be supporting its fundraising efforts and to be teaming up with Platform and Sutcliffe & Co.”

The sentiment was echoed by Dennis Evans, executive director of Platform Housing Group, who said: "We’re delighted to be joining forces with our friends at The Hopmarket and Sutcliffe & Co to bring a penguin to Worcester.

"Times are tough for many local families so fun, free days out in the city are something to really look forward to this summer."

Duncan Sutcliffe, director of Sutcliffe & Co, said: "The hospice’s previous art trails have brought so much to a city we’re very proud to call home.

"We can’t wait to see 80 penguins waddling in Worcester and are really excited to be playing our part as a sponsor."

This summer's initiative follows two successful art trails held in 2018 and 2021 by St Richard’s Hospice.

The earlier giraffe and elephant sculpture displays across Worcester raised over £700,000 combined for the hospice.

Sara Matthews, business development manager for St Richard’s Hospice, said: "It’s fantastic to see The Hopmarket, Platform and Sutcliffe & Co joining up to waddle with us and it reflects the spirit of the trails – bringing people together to celebrate our wonderful city with friends, family and with colleagues."

One sculpture remains available for sponsorships.