First it was Elmer the Patchwork Elephant – now Maidstone is set to become home to Shaun the Sheep and firms are being urged not to miss out on the sponsorship opportunities.

The Heart of Kent Hospice’s free art trail will see 50 individually decorated sheep appear around the County Town later this summer.

But in order to ensure it raises maximum income from the event, it is calling on firms to step up to take advantage of what it describes as a ‘ewe-nique’ opportunity.

Erica Snow, project manager at the hospice said: “We would love to hear from businesses who are interested in working with us this year to help raise as much money as possible for Heart of Kent Hospice.

“As we come toward the end of the financial year, your company may be looking for something different to do and to raise that much-needed awareness about your business.

“Our Shaun in the Heart of Kent art trail offers several different ways you can get involved and at a level that suits you.

“Joining our flock of partners and sponsors demonstrates your commitment to the local community and to our charity.”

Matt Smith, managing director of TPS Global Logistics, has already signed on the dotted line. He said: “Following the success of Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade in 2021 we very much wanted to be involved again.

“We are looking forward to being involved in the design and sponsorship of our Shaun the Sheep sculpture.”

Firms interested in getting involved can contact the hospice’s project team on shaun@hokh.co.uk or call 07596 856667.

Official partners include Maidstone Borough Council, Clive Emson Land and Property Auctioneers, GEO Brand, One Maidstone, Gallagher Group, Yeomans, TPS Global Logistics and the KM Media Group, publisher of KentOnline.