Shaun the Sheep trail raises thousands for charity

Dozens of decorated Shauns were placed around Newcastle in July

An art trail of sheep sculptures has raised more than £300,000 for charity.

Decorated versions of Shaun the Sheep were placed around Newcastle between July and September to raise money for St Oswald's Hospice.

Despite some vandalism, organisers said the trail attracted thousands of visitors from the region and further afield.

Head of fundraising Jane Hogan said the sculptures had "really caught the imagination" of the local community.

She said: “This trail was truly a team effort, with businesses, schools, artists and people from across the region and beyond coming together to make it such a resounding success.”

An auction of 40 of the 115 Aardman characters in October fetched £194,000.

Further funds were raised via sponsorship, merchandise and app sales, ticketed events, raffles and community and school fundraising.

The money will go towards running the hospice, which cares for adults, young people, babies and children with life-limiting conditions.

Some of the sculptures, like Bahh-neigh, were vandalised

Shaun on the Tyne followed the Great North Snowdogs trail in 2016 and Elmer's Great North Parade trail in 2019, both also organised by the hospice.

One of the sculptures called Sweetie is now on show at a Gateshead blinds showroom and Shaunshine has joined visitors at the café at Ouseburn Farm in Byker.

Another named The Wrong Trousers now lives at a warehouse in Consett, while the Magpie Cr’ewe’sader’ is proving popular with customers at a van dealership in Team Valley in Gateshead, organisers said.

More than a hundred sheep were scattered round Newcastle

Other sheep were bought by individuals across the region.

Ms Hogan said the hospice had been "humbled" by the support.

“We’re only a small team and we simply couldn’t have brought the flock to Newcastle without the help of all those who played a part," she said.

“Newcastle Council, all our sponsors and partners, creative producers Wild in Art and of course, Aardman for trusting us with their fantastic character, Shaun the Sheep.”

The animation company's senior brand manager, Rachael Peacock, said she was delighted the trail had generated "such a baa-rilliant fundraising total".