Students' park-inspired elephant for hospice appeal

College students have joined the herds of people decorating elephant sculptures as part of a hospice's free public art trail that will be held this summer.

Thames Hospice's Trunks Across the Thames appeal will run from 13 July until 13 September between Windsor and Slough, in Berkshire, to publicise and raise funds for the Maidenhead-based charity.

Art students from Reading College and University Centre decorated one of the charity's elephants in a design inspired by Dinton Pastures Country Park.

Other elephant designers include Charlie Mackesy, who won an Oscar in 2023 for his short animated feature The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse.

Jo Prior, work experience coordinator at Activate Learning, that runs the college, said: "Taking part has been a fantastic opportunity for our students to get creative.

"Students created mood boards, transferred their drawings, and then added colour, showcasing their artistic talents throughout.

"We're really pleased with the work produced and can't wait to see the elephant displayed with the rest of the herd in the coming months."

Lacy Savage, of Wokingham Borough Council, said it was "incredibly proud" to support the hospice and the college's efforts.

"[The students] have shown great passion and dedication throughout, and we are excited to see their creativity brought to life in what will be a truly beautiful elephant for the trail."