WHO knew that giraffes could be so cool?

And yet Worcester has fallen in love with them.

For weeks - actually months - we'd been hearing about the six mile Worcester Stands Tall giraffe trail that would be bringing the city to life over the summer.

And yet, until they actually arrived, I'm not sure anyone could have imagined the effect they would have.

The first day they were in situ I happened to visit the city centre with my four year old daughter.

Her delight, as she spotted the giraffes, all brightly coloured with a highly lacquered finish, was palpable.

We spent far more time that I intended in the city as she dragged me from one to another, squealing with pleasure.

Four year olds are easily pleased you might say?

And yet on our journey to and from each giraffe we bumped into dozens of other people - of all ages - doing exactly same.

Looking at them, taking pictures of them, even gently stroking them.

The giraffes, as you may know, are part of St Richard's Hospice's Build 2020 appeal to raise money for new facilities.

It's not surprising that there is real affection for anything that will help a place that has touched the lives of many throughout this county.

But, perhaps, it was the world cup semi-final - what would turn out to be England's last hurrah in the competition, when the love was really felt.

St Richard's put out a plea that the giraffes not be damaged - a story we covered both in print and online.

The reaction was extraordinary. Thousands of people responded to the story - many sharing the plea on Facebook accompanied by their own heartfelt hopes that the trail wouldn't be damaged.

One giraffe, sadly, was a little hurt - suffering some damage to its feet during that evening.

One is, of course, one too many but it could have been so much worse.

The police were watching, of course, but perhaps the fact that so many Worcester residents were willing for these majestic sculptures to remain in place was also some protection.

Now, our giraffes have been garnering wider attention, featuring in the national press as one of the country's must-visit arts trails.

Now that is very cool.