Children recruited to protect charity sculptures

The sculptures were damaged within a week of going on display

The creators of a charity sculpture trail are asking children to help spot damage to the models after some of them were vandalised.

Three of the Waddle of Worcester penguin sculptures were damaged within a week of going on display.

In partnership with West Mercia Police, the "penguin patrol" will teach children how to identify damage and who to inform.

Sam McCarthy from Worcester Business Improvement District said: "It's really sad to see, so for us it's about ensuring that we are teaching everybody the right way to enjoy the sculptures this summer."

She said that the aim was to create a sense of community spirit, as the sculptures "go towards making a charity lots of money."

The creators said it would be a fun way to teach children what damage to look out for and tell their parents or the "penguin protectors" at Worcester Business Improvement District.

It appears there was an attempt to forcibly remove the penguins

Two penguin sculptures known as Kingfisher Azure at Bromwich Parade and Little Blue Makes A Wish at Cripplegate Park will now be repaired.

A total of 40 individual penguins and 40 chicks went on display on 22 July to raise money for St Richard's Hospice.

Sarah Matthews from the the hospice said awareness on how to look after the artwork around the city was important.

Although the charity had expected some damage to be done to the sculptures as they were located in public spaces, Ms Matthews said it was "disheartening to hear when it's very much on purpose."

"We're the ones who pick up the bill, it comes off the bottom line of St Richards Hospice," she said.