Elmer the elephant art trail coming to Maidstone next summer launches in Newcastle

These are some the first pictures of the Elmer sculpture trail, a version of which is coming to Kent next year.

This herd of elephants is currently 300 miles away stampeding through Newcastle.

But next summer similar artworks will be in Maidstone forming a trail that families can visit called Elmer's Big Heart of Kent Parade.

The free installation is the first of its kind for the county town and will feature a series of sculptures based on the star of the book written by David McKee.

It aims to raise awareness and vital funds for the Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford, which is working on the scheme in collaboration with event producers Wild in Art and publisher Andersen Press.

Each Elmer will be designed by a different artist and the hospice aims to have more than 40 sculptures in key locations.

Up north there are 50 large artworks and 114 smaller installations. It is being run by St Oswald’s Hospice, until Friday, November 1.

Jane Hogan, project lead for Elmer’s Great North Parade, said: “We are thrilled so far. Though it’s early days, already thousands of people have signed up to the trail app, and venues across the region tell us they are seeing an increase in footfall.

“People from all over the region and beyond are posting on social media about how they are enjoying the trail."

Visitors to Maidstone's trail in the summer will be able to use an app to find the Elmers and unlock codes to deals and discounts.

KM Media Group is the official media partner. Other backers include Gullands solicitors, Westerhill Homes, Chartway Group, Scarbutts Printers, MCM Net, Clive Emson, Maidstone Borough Council, Gallagher Group and One Maidstone.

• For more suggestions of things to do with the family in Kent please click here.