DESPITE the vandalism and now a burglary, the Worcester Stands Tall trail has still been a resounding success.

Yesterday, a burglar used one of the smaller sculptures to smash a window at Two Seasons in Crowngate, and there have been repeated incidents of vandalism with giraffes having to be taken away for repairs, as well as people climbing on the statues.

Sadly, this damage and misuse of the giraffes was almost inevitable due to Worcester being a city, but it certainly hasn't spoiled the trail, as you can see from the number of people admiring the sculptures every day since the trail went live on July 9.

As we close in on the end of the trail, on September 16, we also near the auction which is when the majority of the money will be raised for St Richard's Hospice, as art lovers gather on October 11 to try to buy the giraffes, with £2,500 expected to be the starting price for each sculpture.

The Build 2020 appeal to expand the hospice, to care for more people, is well worth supporting and I'm sure the people of Worcestershire will be generous that night.