Vandalised Gromit sculpture returns to Bristol art trail

A giant Gromit sculpture which was ripped from its plinth and vandalised has been repaired.

The sculpture called Carosello, designed by Italian artist Giuliano Carapia, was outside The Spyglass restaurant in Bristol city centre.

It was the second of 80 figures - part of the Gromit Unleashed art trail - to be damaged. The first, by actress Joanna Lumley, is being restored.

Carosello was greeted by cheers as it was returned to its Welsh Back plinth.

The 5ft (1.5m) sculpture was damaged two weeks ago - the day after it was installed.

Staff at the Spyglass restaurant said they would now take it in overnight for the remainder of the 10-week trail which runs until 8 September.

It is raising funds for Wallace and Gromit's Grand Appeal - the Bristol Children's Hospital charity.

A sculpture designed by Joanna Lumley and named Poetry in Motion had its tail smashed

Lauren Vincent, fundraising manager, said: "There has been so much excitement and enthusiasm for the trail and we've been overwhelmed by the level of public support."

The first Gromit to be damaged - Poetry in Motion by Joanna Lumley - had its tail smashed and organisers hope it will be returned to its place on College Green soon.

Avon and Somerset police are continuing to investigate both incidents and are studying CCTV footage from both sites.

The models of Aardman's famous canine character, which have been individually sponsored by businesses, will be auctioned on 3 October.