A fundraiser has closed a fund to repair vandalised penguin sculptures after smashing its target.

In August, the Worcestershire Ambassadors launched a JustGiving page after three penguins from St Richard's Hospice's Great Waddle of Worcester were damaged.

The sculptures were positioned in and around Worcester city centre as part of a trail to raise money for the hospice.

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Chris Orr, who is on the organisation's board of directors, said: "As presenting partners on the Great Waddle of Worcester, Worcestershire Ambassadors were saddened to hear of the damage to the sculptures, and the board quickly agreed to set up a JustGiving page to fund the costs of repairs.

"We did not want to see money taken away from the vital work that St Richard's do.

"Since then, the Worcestershire community has responded magnificently by contributing to this cause."

He added: "We have now closed the page, having raised donations of £2,347 plus £537 of gift aid which have covered repair costs.

"We wish to thank everyone that has donated so generously; the comments on the JustGiving page have so been heartening to read."

Sara Matthews, business development manager for the hospice, said: "We're incredibly grateful to our friends at Worcestershire Ambassadors for setting up this fundraiser, to everyone who so generously donated and to penguin sponsor, Sanctuary, who covered the cost of repairs to Starlit Journey.

"Thanks to the generosity of all parties involved in repairing and restoring the sculptures – including JMB Polishers in Pershore and artist Jess Perrin – our hospice repair costs have been covered in full.

"We cannot thank our community enough for huddling around us in our time of need."