AN ART project in Worcester has seen a number of acclaimed artists, along with schools and businesses take part.

Worcester Stands Tall is well underway with pieces of work being completed by a varied group of people for the campaign which will see 30 decorated giraffe sculptures forming a ‘safari trail’ in Worcester from July 9 to September 16, to raise money for St. Richard’s Hospice.

Schools taking part include RGS, who had a special visit from artist Petr Horáček, whose books include Silly Suzy Goose and A New House for Mouse.

Mr Horáček, who lives in Worcester said: “Our big sculpture is called ‘Dreaming Giraffe’ so I asked children to design a picture of a giraffe doing something it would dream about – dancing, cartwheels, jumping around.

“The designs were very colourful. It is fun and a great opportunity for children to see their own work exhibited, taken seriously and appreciated by others.”

Giraffe calves have been decorated by school students and community groups from across Worcestershire.

Sponsors of the project include Hewett Recruitment. When Louise Hewett first heard about Worcester Stands Tall, she was the first to sponsor a giraffe not only because she’s a patron of St. Richard’s Hospice, but it evoked memories of her childhood.

She also wanted to pay tribute to her late parents, Doris and Gregory Meacheam. She said: “Mum and Dad lived in Africa for years and the giraffe reminded me of my mother’s words when I was a child and felt rather self-conscious of being taller than my peers. She would play me a very old song by Val Doonican called ‘Walk Tall.’ My parents instilled the values that guide me, my business and my family.”