WADDLE of Worcester organisers are "devastated" after three more penguin sculptures were damaged with one dumped in the river.

The city centre art trail, which raises money and awareness of St Richard's Hospice, has already been disrupted by numerous incidents of vandalism since the event began on Monday, July 22.

The Waddle of Worcester organisers said the sculptures Kingfisher Azure, Starlit Journey and Percy - all of which are based on Bromwich Parade - have been damaged.

A spokesperson said: "We are devastated to say that three of our penguins have been vandalised overnight and will need to be removed from the trail. Kingfisher Azure needs to be recovered from the river Severn.

"We run these trails as a thank you to our community who give so much to us at St Richard's Hospice.

"Thousands of trail goers are enjoying making memories out on the trail each week and the sculptures are worth thousands to our charity at auction.

"We will not let the mindless acts of a tiny majority spoil an event which means so much to so many.

"Our hospice huddle will unite to get these beautiful birds into repair and we very much hope they will return.

In the meantime, if you know anything at all which would help identify those responsible for these awful acts please call 101 or contact West Mercia Police online."

The Waddle of Worcester trail is formed of 40 larger penguin sculptures and 40 smaller sculptures dotted around the city centre to form one trail that stretches approximately five miles.

St Richard's Hospice and Crowngate have already established a 'Penguin Patrol' since the trail began which has been designed to show children how to enjoy the sculptures without damaging them.

Four of the sculptures, one of which was Kingfisher Azure, were returned to the trail on Tuesday, August 6 after being damaged shortly after the trail opened.

Waddle of Worcester organisers already sent a warning in July asking people to avoid hanging off or stepping on the sculptures.