ONE of Worcester's biggest employers is the latest name to sign up to an exciting art event set to take the city by storm next year.

The Worcester Stands Tall concept has been billed as the largest mass participation art event in the city's history.

It is a major art project that will see at least 25 decorated giraffe sculptures form an eye-catching art trail through the city’s streets.

St Richard's Hospice has recruited the creative group, Wild in Art, to set up the 2.5 metre giraffes that will go on display for 10 weeks next year, before each large sculpture is auctioned to raise money for the hospice.

Worcester Bosch Group is the latest sponsor to announce its involvement with Worcester Stands Tall sponsoring a large sculpture but also funding a smaller giraffe that will be decorated by students and teachers from a local school.

Sue Pennington, consumer brand manager, said: “Worcester Bosch has a rich history supporting St Richard’s Hospice.

“We have a large group of employees in Worcestershire who have experienced the great work carried out by St Richard’s – whether it be through a friend or loved one who has received care, or even as a patient themselves.

“We also have an interest in the arts and environment so the opportunity to sponsor a giraffe and also to donate a smaller version to a local school was one we were particularly keen to take up.”

Each giraffe sculpture is being funded by companies and individuals from across Worcestershire and many sponsors are already signed up to take part.

Money raised by the trail will support St Richard’s free, ongoing care for patients living with life-limiting illnesses, their families and bereaved people across Worcestershire.

Tricia Cavell, fundraising director at St Richard’s, said: “It is brilliant to have Worcester Bosch Group standing tall with us for this exciting project.

“By sponsoring both a large and small sculpture, the company will make a real impact across the community with people of all ages.

“We are so pleased to be able to work with schools through this project – and thanks to Worcester Bosch, students will have the chance to get creative and really engage with our art trail.”

There is still time to sponsor a giraffe - to get involved call 01905 763963 and ask for Tricia Cavell, email worcesterstandstall@strichards.org.uk, or visit worcesterstandstall.co.uk.