Thousands of people have visited a penguin-based sculpture trail in Worcester in its first week of opening.

Launched on Monday, July 22, The Great Waddle of Worcester sculpture trail features 80 colourful penguin displays throughout the city’s streets and public spaces.

The trail's app has recorded more than 74,000 visits to individual penguins and around 1,000 selfies in just a week.

Visitors from across the UK have been flocking to Worcester to join in the eight-week event.

Laura Bevis, a trail visitor, left a review on the trail’s Facebook page, saying: "My daughter is only one and a half and we had so much fun going around and seeing the penguins.

"Thanks so much for this amazing activity, we were pleased to donate to a wonderful cause and can’t wait to see the rest."

Mary Phelan, who travelled from Ireland specifically for the event, said: "Absolutely loved my visit from Dublin yesterday.

"Ticked off all the amazing penguins over five hours and covered 12.5km on the trail.

"Huge well done to everyone involved."

Toddler Bonnie Marsh cuddles up to a penguin sculpture designed by a Worcester schoolToddler Bonnie Marsh cuddles up to a penguin sculpture designed by a Worcester school (Image: The Great Waddle of Worcester)

Sara Matthews, business development manager for St Richard’s Hospice, said: "It’s wonderful to see so many people out waddling with us, trail maps and apps in hand.

"We’re grateful to our friends at Blue Print Direct Mail for sponsoring the trail maps and also helping us deliver some really fantastic sticker books so little ones can match a sticker to each sculpture as they wander the trail."

Trail maps are available from several local venues, including the Worcester Tourist Information Centre, St Richard’s Hospice shops and a pop-up shop at 14 Chapel Walk, Crowngate Shopping Centre.

Official merchandise and penguin-themed goodies, handcrafted by hospice supporters, are also on offer.

The trail will run until Sunday, September 15.

After the trail ends, a final chance to see all 80 sculptures together will be held at farewell events at Worcestershire County Cricket Club from October 4-6 and October 11-13.

41 of the sculptures will be auctioned off in October, with all proceeds going to St Richard’s Hospice.

The larger sculptures and one small 'special' sculpture will be auctioned off to raise funds.