MORE county businesses have shown their support for the popular St Richard’s Hospice Elephant Trail.

The Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, along with Himbleton company AA Salt, have both sponsored elephants for this year’s trail, which will see 30 colourful elephant sculptures forming a trail around the city between July and September.

The large sculptures will also be joined by smaller elephant calf models which will be covered in artwork designed by students and community groups, with the large sculptures being auctioned off once the project ends.

Sharon Smith, CEO at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We’re delighted to see the Chamber involved in Worcester’s Big Parade this year, having previously supported the giraffe trail through the city and which brings back many fond memories.

"We’re looking forward to choosing another eye-catching design to grace our wonderful city and bring the whole community together once again.”

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Snow-clearance and gritting firm AA Salt will be sponsoring a large elephant and one of the smaller sculptures, which will be donated to Charford First School in Bromsgrove.

Nikki Rogers, AA Salt’s managing director said: “We absolutely loved being involved in the Stands Tall project two years ago and really wanted to show our support again in this latest initiative which I am certain will also be amazing for the city after the difficult year everyone has had.

“What we love about the project is that it not only raises much-needed funds for an amazing charity, but it also gets local school children and the community involved.”

Sara Matthews, business development manager at St Richard’s, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that AA Salt Services are joining us once again after their incredible support for Worcester Stands Tall two years ago.

“The AA Salt Services team chose a fantastic giraffe design last time which paid tribute to Edward Elgar and even played one of his compositions by scanning a QR code on your phone.

"We’re sure the team’s keen eye for design will bring another wonderful sculpture to life this summer.”