A WORCESTER elephant sculpture is being fenced off, unlike its 65 brothers and sisters.

This elephant sculpture is one of 66 dotted around the city to raise money for St. Richard's Hospice.

However, one elephant in the Big Parade trail is particularly special and so is fenced off overnight to prevent any damage.

A spokeswoman for St. Richard's Hospice said: "This particular elephant is dedicated to a former St Richard’s patient, Keith Webb, and some of the items included in the mosaic belonged to him.

"It was very moving for the family to see the sculpture for the first time and spot the items they recognised.

"It is fenced off every evening to protect it from damage."

Thousands of elephant-seekers have flocked to take on the Worcester’s Big Parade sculpture trail in its first week.

Visitors from all over the UK have spotted the brightly coloured elephants on the open-air trail through the city’s streets and public spaces.

Since the trail launched on Tuesday, July 13, the app has recorded more than 22,500 visits to individual elephants – with around 600 ele-selfies uploaded to its gallery.

Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager for St Richard’s Hospice, said: “It’s wonderful to see so many people exploring the trail and reconnecting with friends and family here in the city.

“The app is a really great way to discover the sculptures – as you can reveal, and listen to, facts about each elephant and artist, alongside unlocking information about the city too.

“Most of all we love seeing all the ele-selfies – there are some brilliant snaps of people meeting our herd, please keep them coming!”

Trail maps can be picked up at various places across the city – including the trail’s pop-up shop on Broad Street and Worcester Tourist Information Centre.

Handcrafted elephants and parade merchandise is also available at the pop-up shop.

Worcester’s Big Parade runs until Sunday 5 September.

Once the trail has ended, there will be a final chance to see all 66 sculptures together at farewell events at Worcestershire County Cricket Club on Thursday 30 September – Sunday 3 October and again from Thursday 7 October – Sunday 10 Oct 2021.