Nutcracker trail statues have Braille messages

Artist Marc Godfrey-Murphy has designed the Nutcracker sculptures for a Christmas trail in York

An artist with a visual impairment has designed sculptures with Braille inscriptions for a Christmas trail in York.

Marc Godfrey-Murphy's 10 Nutcracker statues will be displayed around the city for the Christmas Around the World-themed event.

Each character celebrates a different country to reflect the city's diverse communities and Mr Godfrey-Murphy has ensured they are accessible by inscribing the country's name on each collar.

The artist said: “A lot of love and invention has gone into it."

The annual Nutcracker Trail is organised by York BID.

Mr Godfrey-Murphy, who has an illustration studio in York, added: “I wanted to offer something to help the people in our city who might be blind or live with severe visual impairments to engage with the trail too.

"It is one of the most joyful projects I have ever had the privilege to work on.”

The sculptures have Braille inscriptions so that everyone can enjoy the trail

Mr Godfrey-Murphy has worked as an animator on popular CBeebies shows such as Numberblocks and Tree Fu Tom.

The trail was created with input from Our City Hub, a community group that works with refugees to help them feel settled in York.

The group suggested that each sculpture could be painted in the colours of a country's flag, with designs referencing its well-known landmarks.

Rachel Bean, project manager at York BID, said: “This project is all about celebrating togetherness and the wonderful communities that call York home.

“We hope everyone enjoys finding the statues around the city.”

On Thursday, it was realised that one of the 10 figures had disappeared from its location at Barley Hall.

The missing nutcracker, representing Great Britain, was later found "slightly shaken" but in one piece dumped on a street, organisers said.

The trail runs until 1 January, with maps available online or from the visitor information centre on Parliament Street.

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