Mermaid tails and elephants auctioned by charities

Dozens of giant elephants and mermaid tail sculptures are to go under the hammer at two separate auctions to raise money for two hospice charities.

Weldmar and Julia's House each hosted their own fundraising art trails in Dorset featuring the individually decorated sculptures.

The elephants displayed in Bridport, West Bay and Lyme Regis for Weldmar's Stampede by the Sea event are going under the hammer in Dorchester on Thursday evening.

The Great Tail Trail sculptures, which were displayed in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, will be auctioned for Julia's House in Poole on Friday.

Julia's House fundraising manager Laura Maidment said: "We'd love it if every single sculpture could find a new home - they are all beautiful and unique pieces of art that deserve to be pride of place somewhere special."

More than 50 elephants were on display in west Dorset from 28 March to 26 May, before being gathered together for a farewell exhibition at Dorchester's Corn Exchange ahead of the auction.

Bids will open at £3,000, with proceeds going to Weldmar Hospicecare.

Julia's House said more than 2,000 people came to see 88 mermaid tails at its farewell exhibition at Bournemouth International Centre, which raised about £8,000 for the charity.

Charlie Ross, of BBC's Bargain Hunt, will lead the auction of tails at Compton Acres' Italian Villa in Poole on Friday evening, with bids opening at £1,000.

Bidders in both auctions must register before the events, with bidding taking place in-person and online.

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