WEST Midland Safari Park bosses are sticking their neck out to support a new giraffe exhibition to raise money for St Richard's Hospice.

The Bewdley attraction has become an education partner in a new, exciting public art exhibition coming to Worcester next summer.

The exhibition - called Worcester Stands Tall - will see a trail of at least 25 decorated giraffe sculptures dotted around the city's streets for 10 weeks in summer 2018, before each one is auctioned to raise money for St Richard's Hospice.

Alongside the adult giraffes, there will be an array of giraffe calves on display in city venues which will be carefully crafted by creative students and teachers at Worcestershire schools.

As education partner in the interactive event, West Midland Safari Park will enable thousands of students to showcase their artistic talents by getting involved with the project's learning programme.

Ivan Knezovich, managing director of the Safari Park, said: "When we heard about the Worcester Stands Tall campaign, we knew we had to get involved as it brings together businesses, local communities and schools, all for a great cause.

"With the theme being giraffes and the park being home to a breeding herd of nine giraffes, who better to partner with the project than us.

"We can't wait to see what the county's artists and schools create."

Schools are being invited to decorate their giraffe calves with artwork inspired by giraffe conservation and the county's heritage and landscape - while the larger sculptures will be designed by regional and national artists.

Tricia Cavell, fundraising director at St Richard's, added: "The involvement of West Midland Safari Park and their sponsorship of the education programme is vital as it will help us in delivering a high quality learning programme for schools throughout Worcestershire.

"Everyone involved will play a valuable role in a high visibility art trail which will showcase the exceptional creative talent of young people in our county."

West Midland Safari Park will have its own giraffe sculpture on the trail, while others are being funded by companies and individuals from across the county.

The giraffes will be auctioned in October 2018 to raise money to support the hospice's free, ongoing care for patients living with life-limiting illnesses, their families and bereaved people across Worcestershire.

Schools in Worcestershire will be contacted in September with information about how to get involved with the project.

For more information, visit worcesterstandstall.co.uk.