UPSET over vandals damaging penguin sculptures has been transformed into a campaign to raise money to pay for the damage.

The trio needs repairs expected to cost organisers St Richard's Hospice thousands of pounds after one was thrown into the river and two others were ripped from their plinths.

Members of Worcestershire Ambassadors have now launched a fundraiser to help cover the costs to fix Kingfisher Azure, Starlit Journey and Percy who were placed along Bromwich Parade.

Several penguins have been damaged since the launch of the Waddle of Worcester by St Richard's on Monday, July 22.

Firefighters managed to rescue Kingfisher Azure from the river on Tuesday (August 20) after vandals attacked the statues overnight.

A spokesperson said: "As presenting partners for St Richard's Hospice's Great Waddle of Worcester 2024 art trail, Worcestershire Ambassadors has been saddened to learn of the criminal damage to multiple penguins since the trail launched.

"Whilst isolated and infrequent issues have occurred with their previous art trails, The Great Waddle of Worcester has seen multiple penguin sculptures damaged or vandalised leaving St Richard's to cover the costs.

"We know that the vast majority of those who live, work, learn, visit and do business in Worcester are respectful of the art trail, are enjoying visiting the penguins with friends and family, are proud of our community and want to support the fantastic work that St Richard's do."

Kingfisher Azure and Little Blue Makes A Wish were vandalised within 24 hours of the trail's launch while Dr Waddlecog of Worcester had parts ripped off.

Jim McBride BEM, chair of Worcestershire ambassadors said: "The cost of repairing the sculptures will be thousands of pounds.

"St Richard's Hospice needs £12 million every year to operate and only a third of that is provided by the government, so everything counts.

"The fundraiser is a way to pay back to St Richard's Hospice and the event.

"It's a great thing for the city, it increases footfall in the city centre and it makes the place look amazing."

To donate, visit justgiving.com/page/worcestershire-ambassadors-waddle-of-worcester-repairs.

Any money donated that is not needed to help with repairing the penguins will instead be donated to St Richard's Hospice.

Once the trail ends on Sunday, September 15, the sculptures will be auctioned with all proceeds going towards the Hospice.