A new art trail celebrating one of Britain’s best-loved cartoon characters is just days away from opening.

The Shaun the Sheep in the Heart of Kent trail will see 50 sculptures of the Aardman animal pop up all over Maidstone and the surrounding areas.

The sculptures have all been created with unique, hand-painted designs by international and local artists and will appear overnight in time for the launch date on Saturday, June 29.

Those who want to follow the trail can download the app and get a free map to follow once all of the sculptures are in place.

The trail has been organised by the Heart of Kent Hospice, Wild in Art, Aardman and Presenting Partner and Maidstone Borough Council.

When the trail is removed at the end of August, the sculptures will be auctioned off to help raise money for the hospice.

While most of the designs will be kept a secret until the trail is unveiled to the public, one ‘Roaming Shaun’ figure has already been spotted at Maidstone United’s Gallagher Stadium earlier this month.

Unlike the 50 other Shaun the Sheep sculptures, which will remain static, this one will be appearing at a number of attractions over the coming months.

Visitors can spot the Olympics-themed sculpture at the Kent County Show, East Malling’s Picnic in the Park, the Maidstone River Festival and more.

You can find out where the sculpture will be visiting here.

Those following the trail map can also look for the 16 flocks of ‘Little Shauns’ dotted around Maidstone.

These miniature sculptures have all been decorated by local schools, community groups and care homes.

Erica Snow from the Heart of Kent Hospice said: “All our wonderful artists, from Kent and further afield, have created the most amazing designs and we are looking forward to the end of June when everyone can walk the free art trail to discover all the fabulous Shaun designs for themselves along with some of the most iconic locations around Maidstone.

“Shaun is cheeky and mischievous, and surrounded by his farmyard friends he lives life to the full – the hospice hopes 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, both at home and within the hospice which is located in Aylesford.”