LARGE colourful butterflies are decorating trees in Worcester city centre - but they are not just there to make the city look pretty.

Trees and buildings along the High Street and Broad Street have now been festooned with the butterflies and bunting.

And while they are part of a plan to make the city inviting to shoppers - it is also hoped they will help deter gulls.

Sam McCarthy, of Worcester BID, said the bunting and butterflies should help in deterring gulls from swooping down and snatching food.

"Creating a vibrant place where visitors and residents can connect and relax in Worcester is a high priority for Worcester BID to support the city's economic recovery, and we are thrilled to be supporting these initiatives.

"The pop-up parks, bunting and butterfly installations will provide a safe space to reconnect with friends and family while indulging in some of Worcester's tasty treats.

"The bunting and butterflies should also help in deterring gulls from swooping down and snatching food."

There are also plans for pop-up parks in Angel Place, South Quay and Cornmarket with colourful seating and artificial grass.

The butterfly designs and parks have been supported by the Welcome Back fund while the new bunting is funded by Worcester BID (Business Improvement District) and Worcestershire Regulatory Services.

Worcester was recently listed as having the third highest footfall figures in the country in the Retail Recovery Index by IPSOS, and latest data shows that footfall in the city centre was up 15.9 per cent in the week of 24 July to 1 August compared to 2019.

Councillor Lucy Hodgson, chair of the Worcester City Council's Place and Economic Development Committee, said: "Worcester is recovering well from the lockdown and the city council and its partners are committed to doing everything they can to attract visitors and support the local economy.

"These latest initiatives will help to make our city an even more appealing destination."