Damage to a Waddle of Worcester penguin statue could cost a charity thousands of pounds after firefighters rescued it from the river.

Three penguins were found damaged on Tuesday morning (August 20) including one which was dumped into the river Severn.

The city's popular Waddle of Worcester art trail, which raises money and awareness for St Richard's Hospice, has been struck by several incidents of vandalism since it began in July.

Sara Matthews, business development manager at St Richard's Hospice, said: "I think the damage that I've seen this morning to these three statues will go into the thousands.

"All three have been removed from their plinths by being broken off at the feet."

'MINDLESS': Vandals knocked over and damaged Starlit Journey in Bromwich Parade.'MINDLESS': Vandals knocked over and damaged Starlit Journey in Bromwich Parade. (Image: Rosie Fleetwood)

Organisers were alerted to the damage just after 6am on Tuesday by the trail's online damage report system.

Ms Matthews added: "There are thousands of people coming across the country to visit this beautiful trail, and there are so many people and businesses in Worcester benefitting from it.

"We don't want to let the mindless few ruin it for everyone."

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An auction for all 40 of the large penguin statues will be held on Thursday, October 24, and is key to the trail's fundraising success.

Ms Matthews said: "The auction we hold and the money raised from that will determine the viability of these trails in future, and costs such as damages are big factors."

Fundraising director at St Richard's Hospice, Tricia Cavell, added: "This is our third trail and we have seen an increase in visitor numbers this year.

"It's accessible and enjoyed by thousands, so incidents like these won't stop us.

"We will keep going."

Two statues were found alongside their plinths on Bromwich Parade, while Kingfisher Azure was dumped in the river alongside Chapter Meadows.

Worcester resident Anna Kornel, who was passing by, said: "It's absolutely disgusting. I started doing the trail with my granddaughter last week and I came by today to get pictures of those that we hadn't reached."

A water rescue crew from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service recovered Kingfisher Azure from the river Severn, and all three statues have been transported to JMB Polishers in Pershore for repair.