People looking for a baaa-rilliant time need look no further than a new Shaun the Sheep art trail.

The Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr John Perry, officially launched the free trail outside the Town Hall this afternoon.

He said: “The sculptures look absolutely fabulous around the town centre and it is fantastic to know that the project has involved community groups, care homes and schools from around Maidstone.

“I’m sure that the nine weeks that Shaun and his flock will be here will bring colour, creativity and fun for all the family.

“I would encourage as many people who can to come to Maidstone and enjoy this amazing art trail this summer.”

More than 100 large and small unique artworks will be displayed in key locations until Friday, August 30.

People had spotted the treasured cargo being dropped off over the weekend.

Pictures appeared on local Facebook groups as the famous sheep popped up around town.

One person said: “We saw two on the back of a lorry driving around Fairmeadow this morning.”

Another added: “We saw an open truck heading up Mote Avenue filled with Shauns bound for Mote Park.”

Those who want to take part can download the trail map from the App Store or Google Play.

You can also pick up a physical copy from Shaun HQ in Fremlin Walk or Shaun’s Baa-rn inside The Mall shopping centre.

You can then put your detective hat on and try to locate all of the 51 unique large sculptures.

Once you have completed the trail, you can head back and collect a well-deserved finisher's sticker.

Special merchandise will also be available to purchase from there.

For £1 you can enter a raffle to win your very own little classic Shaun sculpture plus other Shaun-themed prizes.

Click here to visit the website and to download the free app for the trail.

Little flocks of mini Shauns have also been decorated by local schools, community groups and people living in care homes.

Pet portrait artist Annabelle Hodd designed both the Changing of the Seasons and Olympics in Motion sculptures.

She says she has never done anything like this before as she normally paints on canvas.

She said: “All in all it took a few weeks to make but it was worth it.

“It’s amazing and so lovely to see all of the kids enjoying them and having photos with them.

“They look really colourful in the town centre.”

Annabelle specially created Changing of the Seasons Shaun with her friend Lesley in mind.

Lesley was cared for by the Heart of Kent Hospice and it was her chosen charity after she passed away last year.

Her family are encouraging visitors to sit and reflect on the bench.

The summer trail – called Shaun the Sheep in the Heart of Kent – is a creative partnership between Heart of Kent Hospice, Wild in Art, Aardman and presenting partner, Maidstone council.

Ann-Marie Kelly is responsible for leading the fundraising and communications for the charity.

She said: “I think the thing that’s really important is that this is a celebration of Maidstone.

“It's the sheer joy people have when they see the sculptures and then the curiosity that comes from it.

“These trails take those who even live in Maidstone to explore new places they don't often go to.

“The number of sculptures that have been interacted with and unlocked on our app was almost 45,000 within the last two days.”

The new art trail follows the successful Elmer's Big Heart of Kent Parade in 2021.

A display of 50 colourful elephants was scattered around the town centre and featured the star of one of the most iconic children's books by David McKee.

Later this year people can reserve a slot to visit all the Shaun sculptures under one roof at the Farewell Weekend, which will take place between September 13 and 15.

Every sculpture will be auctioned at a live event on Thursday, September 26 to raise funds for the hospice.

The charity is hoping each one will sell for an average of £5,000, generating around £250,000 in total.

Erica Snow, project manager at the Heart of Kent Hospice, added: “The trail is not only fun but a great way to discover some of the amazing places in Maidstone town centre including iconic attractions together with the picturesque parks and river walks.

“Shaun is cheeky and mischievous, and surrounded by his farmyard friends he lives life to the full.

“We hope this new art trail will not only raise vital funds for the hospice when the sculptures are auctioned in September, but will also serve as a reminder that Heart of Kent Hospice is there to provide support to patients and their loved ones when they need it most.”