A COLONY of penguins have waddled their way into the city as a popular arts trail returns.

Eighty penguin sculptures each with their own unique design are now in place across the city centre as part of the Great Waddle of Worcester.

The penguins form a free, five-mile-long art trail people will be able to follow over the next eight weeks.

Sara Matthews, business development manager at St Richard's Hospice, said: "The planning for the trail began a whole year before we even announced what the sculptures would be, so I had to keep that secret for a whole year.

"We had our call for artists to submit designs for the penguin sculptures, and we had over 350 of those which were shortlisted to 100.

"Our sponsors then chose their favourites, which brings us to the 40 large penguin sculptures you see on the trail.

"We then have an education and learning programme which went to schools and community groups across Worcestershire.

"They applied via a ballot to create designs for our 40 smaller penguins, and we had over 150 applications for that."

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Worcester's mayor Mel Allcott said: "They (the sculptures) add real beauty to the city, and it's a real point of interest as it's a trail that everyone can take part in.

"We have had the trails twice before and it's a pleasure to have them back."

The successful elephant and giraffe-themed trails, which took place in 2018 and 2021 respectively, raised over £700,000 in total for St Richard's Hospice.

Cllr Allcott said: "The hospice has been here for 40 years and it's treasured by the community.

"I know its tough with funding at the moment, so it's particularly important that we get behind them."

Artist Lorna Wilkes, otherwise known as 'Inner Knowings', designed the Doodle McZenguin sculpture which can be found outside The Hive.

Mrs Wilkes said: "It's a really important project for me on lots of different levels.

"I'm a great advocate of creativity for mental health, so my sculpture's design is the story behind that really."

"The colour and joy that the trails bring to the city and the community is wonderful."

The great Waddle of Worcester trail finishes on Sunday, September 15.