Shaun the Sheep statues and art trail opens in Newcastle

This colourful Shaun the Sheep can be found by the Monument

Giant sculptures of Wallace and Gromit's fleecy friend Shaun the Sheep have been placed across Tyneside as part of an art trail.

In total 45 individually-decorated Shauns have been released around Newcastle city centre.

It follows previous events which came to life in the shape of the Great North Snowdogs in 2016 and Elmer's Great North Parade in 2019.

Proceeds from the trail will be donated to a hospice helping young people.

A flock of Shauns was transported through the city on the back of a lorry

Created by Aardman, Shaun the Sheep is a popular animated figure from TV shows and films.

The colourful models - all bearing unique designs created by artists from the region and further afield - have been positioned alongside some of the city's landmarks.

The flock will be put up for auction later this year

Featured along the trail are designs including the character as an octopus, a pirate, a bumble bee and one with him sticking his head through a painting of the Mona Lisa.

A printed map or app will point people in the right direction to find a "Shaun on the Tyne" and profits from the trail will support St Oswald's Hospice - which helps young people, children and babies living with life-limiting and incurable conditions.

A purple Shaun the Sheep has been placed beside Newcastle Cathedral

The event also features 70 smaller "Little Shaun" sculptures, painted by schools and youth groups, which will also be displayed in 13 flocks at indoor venues.

All the statues will be auctioned in October and the funds raised will go to the charity.

Previous art trails for St Oswald's Hospice have raised thousands - the Snowdogs trail in 2016 raised £367,000 and four years ago dozens of Elmer the Elephant sculptures raised £182,000 when they went under the hammer.

The smaller sheep will be returned to the schools who helped to design them

Libby Fryer, who is overseeing the trail, described them as "amazing pieces of art".

"The big ones do go for auction - anyone can pick up a big Shaun, they will look great in your garden, or your living room," she said.

"It's not just the funds, it's the awareness we are raising for the hospice, so we are just so excited to bring it to the streets of Newcastle and we are so thankful to the community for keeping us open."