A RESTAURANT owner is thrilled after signing up to sponsor a giraffe sculpture that is part of exciting public art trail.

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

Around 25 two-and-a-half metre giraffes will be dotted around the city's streets, parks and open spaces for 10 weeks next summer.

Frankie Tsang, who owns the New Four Seasons Restaurant and Takeaway in Powick, has sponsored one of the sculptures, part of the Wild in Art trail brought to the city by St Richard’s Hospice.

Each sculpture will be funded by companies and individuals from around the county and will be brought to life by regional and national artists.

At the end of the project the giraffes will be auctioned to raise funds for the hospice, which are for people affected by life-limiting illnesses.

Mr Tsang, who is also a member of the Worcestershire Ambassadors, said: “I feel excited to be part of Worcester Stands Tall.

"It is something a bit different and I feel that is only good for St Richard’s Hospice and the local community will benefit. It will put Worcester on the map.

“I have lived and worked in Worcester for more than 40 years and I understand what St Richard’s has done for the community and it does an excellent job.

“Personally, I have had two very close friends who used the services before they died. I went to see them and they were very well taken care of.”

Tricia Cavell, fundraising director at St Richard’s, said: “We are delighted to have Frankie involved in Worcester Stands Tall. It is great to have local businesses which serve our communities on board with the project.

"Now is a very exciting time for us – as plenty of sponsors are signing up to fund our beautiful giraffe sculptures – so watch this space for the next announcement.”

There is still plenty of time to sponsor a giraffe. To get involved call 01905 763963, email worcesterstandstall@strichards.org.uk or visit worcesterstandstall.co.uk.