VISITORS to Crowngate shopping centre can sneak a peek while artists paint giraffe sculptures for Worcester Stands Tall.

Until Friday, May 11, a unit next to JoJo Maman Bébé in Crowngate Shopping Centre will be a painting space for artists chosen to take part. The 30, 8ft tall giraffe sculptures will stand through the streets and open spaces of the city for 10 weeks, to raise funds for St Richard's Hospice.

Katie Hodgetts, from Stourport on Severn is currently studying textile design at Birmingham City University. Her giraffe design is a tribute to her grandfather. "He went to St Richard's Hospice every week for art therapy. My design is in his memory and features memory's and heaven. He was an artist, so I wanted to do something in memory of him but also something he would like."

Marnie Maurrie, an artist from Bromsgrove took inspiration from nature for her sculpture."It's called 'The Giraffe Who Found His Happy Place. It's going to be really happy and colourful. The idea is about finding happiness in nature and the elements so I've featured the sun, sky, sea, rainbow and clouds."

The size of the giraffe sculpture is very different to what some of the artists are working on. Mrs Maurri said: "I'm trained in theatre design so I'm used to working on a big scale. It's a really nice shape."

Suzie Elizabeth Hunt, from St Johns, Worcester has just finished her Fine Art degree at Birmingham City University. Her design for her giraffe is inspired by the Worcester Pear.

Miss Hunt said: "I wanted to merge the characteristics of the pear with the shape of the giraffe. I've also used the colour scheme of the Worcestershire flag, blue, green, and white, with black pears."

Jilly Oxlade-Arnott, an architectural artist who normally uses water colour said: "I've never done anything this size so it's a challenge."

She has painted on several businesses in Worcester including Anja Potze. Her giraffe design celebrates Worcesters Heritage and Architecture.