The Leader of Worcester City Council has praised Worcester’s Big Parade, which has seen colourful and eye-catching elephant sculptures brightening up the city streets across the summer.

Councillor Marc Bayliss visited the elephant named Pears, which is sponsored by the City Council as part of the St Richard’s Hospice initiative, and stands on the riverbank opposite the Cathedral.

He said: “People really love this wonderful elephant trail and have been flocking into the city to see all the colourful creations. This has been another great success for St Richard’s Hospice and a real hit with city residents and visitors.

“Worcester’s Big Parade has really added to the beauty of our city and I hope it raises a really good sum for St Richard’s when the elephants are auctioned in the near future.”

The final day of Worcester’s Big Parade is Sunday 5 September, and there will then be a chance to say goodbye to the elephants when they are all displayed together at Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s New Road ground from 30 September to 3 October and again 7–10 October.

To book for this farewell event, go to www.worcestersbigparade.co.uk/event/farewell

The large elephant sculptures will then be auctioned at an event on 14 October, with all proceeds going to St Richard’s Hospice. Full details of the auction are at www.worcestersbigparade.co.uk/event/auction.

The smaller ele-babies will return to the schools and organisations which decorated them, as a lasting memento of the trail.