Northumbrian Water has teamed up with children from Hilton Primary Academy in Newcastle to help bring a giant Peter Rabbit-inspired sculpture to life in support of St Oswald’s Hospice.
The company’s colourful creation, named Patchwork Peter, will be one of 43 large sculptures featuring in Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne, a free family art trail which launched across Newcastle and North Tyneside this week (15 July).
Organised by St Oswald’s Hospice, the attraction will see sculptures popping up in streets, parks and public spaces across the region, encouraging families to explore the area, all while raising vital funds for the charity.
Northumbrian Water, which provides water and sewerage services to 2.7 million people across the North East, is sponsoring Patchwork Peter – a colourful design created by artist Daniel Weatheritt, alongside pupils from Hilton Primary Academy.
The design celebrates the importance of water in the natural environment, how it supports wildlife and plants, and uses vibrant blues and greens inspired by rivers and nature.
As part of its support, the water company is also the trail's official Learning Programme Partner, which includes 53 smaller sculptures, inspired by Beatrix Potter’s famous character, decorated by schools, nurseries and community youth groups.
To help inspire the young artists, Northumbrian Water provided participating schools and groups with a design guide based on its Ripple Effect education programme, encouraging children to explore saving water through the story of Peter Rabbit.
Jennie Collingwood, Head of Corporate Affairs at Northumbrian Water, said: "We're delighted to be supporting St Oswald's Hospice once again and especially proud to see the creativity and imagination of the children from Hilton Primary Academy brought to life through our very own Patchwork Peter.
"The children worked closely with artist Daniel Weatheritt to design a sculpture that celebrates the importance of water in nature, and the finished design just looks fantastic.
"As Learning Programme Partner, we're pleased to have the opportunity to help young people learn more about water, while supporting a trail that will excite families and raise money for a fantastic local charity."
Andrew Cowan, Principal at Hilton Primary Academy, said: “We’re very proud of what our pupils have achieved through this project. While we’re always focused on helping them achieve their best academically, this exciting project demonstrates their strength in the arts too.
“Thanks to the support of our Arts Lead, Miss Stevens, the children have helped create something special while linking it to recent learning about protecting our planet, saving water and looking after the environment.
“We have a mission to take children beyond Hilton, beyond Blakelaw, and this trail of sculptures will do exactly that."
Patchwork Peter will be displayed alongside dozens of other sculptures, located across Newcastle and North Tyneside until 14 September. At the end of the trail, most of the large sculptures will be auctioned to help raise funds for St Oswald's Hospice.
The trail marks the fourth time Northumbrian Water has supported one of St Oswald's Hospice's popular art trails, following Great North Snowdogs, Elmer’s Great North Parade and Shaun on the Tyne.
For more information about Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne, visit www.talesonthetyne.co.uk and for updates on Patchwork Peter, follow Northumbrian Water on social media.
Water saving tips are also available at www.nwl.co.uk/savewater.