The Vale Crematorium has signaled its support for this summer's Waddle of Worcester, happening from July 22 until September 15.

Positioned close to Pershore, the crematorium will fund a large penguin sculpture and a chick sculpture as part of the vivid Waddle of Worcester arts trail.

Following the trail's conclusion, the large sculptures will be auctioned for St Richard's Hospice, a facility offering care for individuals with severe progressive illnesses whose complex needs exceed the capacity of other services.

The Vale Crematorium is a part of the Westerleigh Group, one of the UK's major independent owners and operators of crematoria and cemeteries.

The group oversees 40 other properties across England, Scotland and Wales, distinguished by beautifully landscaped gardens of remembrance offering serene, pleasant spaces for visitors and reflection.

The Westerleigh Group takes pride in providing exceptional care to the bereaved, evidenced by its standards, which undergo inspection by the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA) in England and Wales, and the Scottish Government.

The Vale Crematorium Manager, Catherine Linfield, said: "We are only too pleased to be able to support the great Waddle of Worcester.

"Not only will it bring many smiles to the faces of those who follow the trail through the summer but more importantly provide valuable funds for St Richard’s Hospice, which provides vital support to make a positive difference to the lives of local people and their families.

"The large sculpture we have chosen to fund is called ‘Little Blue Makes A Wish’ and has been designed by artist Marnie Maurri.

"All designs are top secret until the trail goes live in July but we can say that Marnie’s work is absolutely beautiful and really struck a chord with us in terms of the care we provide. We’re excited for everyone to meet our penguin while making memories with their loved ones this summer."

Marnie is an independent artist and illustrator said: "My sculpture is based upon the Blue Penguin, one of the smallest penguins, which is also known as the ‘Fairy Penguin’ on account of its size, and it was this that inspired my design.

"I love being part of these Wild in Art trails – this is my third one with St Richard’s Hospice. Seeing the sculptures out on the streets is so wonderful, people really take them to their hearts."

Catherine added: "The smaller sculpture we have funded has been donated to Vale of Evesham School, and the children there have already decided that the chick is female and have named her Paloma.

"The school itself is decorating this sculpture which will join the main trail for the summer, after which it will be returned to the school as a lasting memory of the project."

For further information about the Vale Crematorium and its services, visit: www.thevalecrematorium.co.uk. For more details on the Waddle of Worcester, visit: www.waddleofworcester.co.uk.