Reindeer sculptures to be auctioned in Gloucester

Lydia Hartley with her creation, Glendale

Unique reindeer sculptures painted by local artists are going up under the hammer to raise money for charity.

Gloucestershire businesses have the chance to get their hands on the unique 6ft (1.83m) tall creatures which were dotted around Gloucester over recent Christmases.

Each reindeer's design is inspired by the city's heritage and landscape.

Gloucester Business Improvement District is hosting the auction at Gloucester Brewery next week.

The 12 reindeer are inspired by the likes of Beatrix Potter's "The Tailor of Gloucester", the River Severn, and the Cherry and Whites rugby team.

The auction will help raise funds for 12 local charities.

JFR by Russell Haines is another reindeer going up for auction

Lydia Hartley, the artist behind the "Glendale" reindeer, said she "can't wait" to see her work go under the hammer.

"As a local Gloucester-based artist, it was such an honour to be able to design and bring my reindeer to life, from sketch to directly drawing onto it," Ms Hartley said.

"The inspiration for my design came from my love of birds combined with The 12 Days of Christmas, and I tried to include as many birds as possible from the song."

The auction will take place at Gloucester Brewery's Warehouse 4 on 11 April at 19:00 BST.