DESIGNS for giant giraffe sculptures that are set to take over Worcester's streets this summer have been revealed.

The Worcester Stands Tall concept will see the 8ft-tall sculptures dotted around the city's streets, parks and open spaces for 10 weeks this summer.

St Richard's Hospice has recruited the creative group, Wild in Art, to set up the 30 giraffes.

On Thursday (February 8) businesses and organisations came together at the Hive to view 100 shortlisted designs, which have been whittled down from almost 200.

Those supporting the charity's trail could chose their three favourite designs. The hospice will reveal the chosen designs and their sponsors at a later date.

The designs are so secret that our photographer was not allowed to take pictures of them.

One of the sponsors, Bernie Pelster, chief people officer at Open Gi, said: "We are having a hard time choosing. It is very interesting to read about the thought behind each design and the different materials that could be used. There are some really intelligent people who have put forward these designs."

Tom Newett, of Free Radio, said: "There are so many spectacular designs, some are reflecting Worcester’s history – and the local area.

Speaking on the charity, he added: "St Richards Hospice are really good at thinking of ways to raise awareness, the giraffe sculptures will be a great way to raise the profile of the charity during the summer."

Cllr Steve Mackay, the Mayor of Worcester, said: "I think the designs are beautiful -how we are supposed to choose I don’t know. They are all so thoughtful and clever."

Project manager for St Richard's Hospice on the Worcester Stands Tall public art event Sara Matthews said: "I am really excited to see the designs on the street. The event has been fantastic and really well received."

Speaking on why the hospice chose the giraffe as its symbol, St Richard's Hospice fundraising director Tricia Cavell said: "Worcester is not synonymous with a giraffe but we just thought we wanted to try to be big- so we came up with concept of Worcester standing tall.

"So that plan lend itself to a giraffe. There are lots of animals used in these types of projects but the giraffe had not been used for a long time and that was in New Zealand."

The designs will be exhibited at The Hive until Monday, February 12.

The large sculptures will be auctioned this October to raise money for the St Richard’s Hospice Build 2020 Appeal.

The appeal aims to raise the final £1.4m needed to build a bigger hospice, enabling more patients and families to be cared for in Worcestershire.

The total cost for expanding and redeveloping the existing building in Wildwood Drive, Worcester, is £5.3m.

For more information about Build 2020 visit www.strichards.org.uk/build2020.