After the elephants come the hippos...
GO ELEPHANTS - make way for the hippos: North Walsham is the next Norfolk community preparing for an African stampede.Following the success of Norwich's herd of decorated elephants this summer, the market town is planning a similar venture, featuring 20 fibreglass hippopotamuses.
GO ELEPHANTS - make way for the hippos: North Walsham is the next Norfolk community preparing for an African stampede.
Following the success of Norwich's herd of decorated elephants this summer, the market town is planning a similar venture, featuring 20 fibreglass hippopotamuses.
Micro, midi and maxi mud-wallowers will be arriving in the town waiting to be sponsored, painted and put on display to raise funds for local causes.
The scheme is the brainchild of Paul East, chairman of governors at North Walsham Infants School, who was inspired by the city's Go Elephants event.
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Thousands followed a trail around Norwich, visiting each of the 53 sponsored baby elephants which were eventually sold at auction for charity.
Hippo Hunt organisers plan a similar trail and final auction in North Walsham. They hope schools, playgroups and other organisations will find sponsors for the hippos which will cost about £150, £300 and £500 each, according to size.
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The beasts will then be individually decorated and mounted on plinths ready for display on or near their sponsors' premises, probably during the May holiday week next year.
Mr East said early indications were that there was a great deal of interest in the project.
Residents can find out more about the scheme at North Walsham Town Council's Town Meeting in the community centre on Tuesday, November 4, at 7.30pm.
