The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare has sponsored a sculpture on the Gromit Unleashed 2 trail and is exhibiting it to sightseers.

Weston Mercury: Children from Ashcombe Primary School with Giggles the Gromit sculpture and artist Emily Golden Twomey. Picture: Jessie HawkesChildren from Ashcombe Primary School with Giggles the Gromit sculpture and artist Emily Golden Twomey. Picture: Jessie Hawkes (Image: Jessie Hawkes)

The trail began on Monday and the pier will display Giggles the Gromit sculpture until the trail’s end on September 2.

The sculpture will also feature as The Grand Appeal trail’s statue of the day this Sunday.

Bristol artist Emily Golden Twomey designed the Gromit statue in celebration of the 250th anniversary of modern circus.

Emily said: “I was lucky enough to take part in The Grand Appeal’s two previous sculpture trails, creating Patch for Gromit Unleashed, Candy Baa and also Sparkles the Unicorn for Shaun in the City.

“I researched clown outfits and face paints, and settled on the Gromit sculpture having primary colours with a bit of pink. He has a ruffle on his collar, flowers on his braces, and a jazzy polka-dot shirt alongside a tiny little clown hat on the top of his head.

“I know a few people who are frightened of clowns, so I hope Giggles will change that – and hopefully he proves how cute clowns can be.”

Popular animation characters Wallace, Gromit and their arch-enemy Feathers McGraw feature in 67 sculptures which make up the trail. The artworks have been designed to look like different variations of the trio, with the likes of One In A Minion, Splash! and Sprinkles dotted around North Somerset – including at Puxton Park – and Bristol.

The trail follows on from the success of Gromit Unleashed and Shaun in the City, which raised a combined total of £6million for The Grand Appeal charity, which raises money for Bristol’s children’s hospital.

Michelle Michael, co-owner of the Grand Pier, said: “We are very excited that Gromit is visiting the Pier and he is already proving popular with visitors of all ages.

“The trail raises vital funds for the children’s hospital in Bristol and the city’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital, both of which provide lifesaving care for families throughout the region, including in Weston-super-Mare and North Somerset.

“Having Gromit here at the Pier will enable us, the people of North Somerset, and our thousands of summer visitors to support an extremely worthy cause.”

On Sunday, the pier will be hosting a grand day of circus events and offering £15 unlimited ride wristbands, including a meal.

Of the money gained, 10 per cent will be given to the appeal.