Swindon's Big Dog Art Trail has come to an end.

More than 23,000 people took part in the seven-week-long event over the summer by walking a total of 13,500 miles and collecting 210,000 Swindog and Swinpup statues while exploring the trail.

The world’s first-ever balloon dog art trail has been hailed as a huge success, with 1,083 people collecting all 72 fibreglass sculptures which were located in Swindon's parks, tourist attractions, shopping streets, libraries, and community centres across town.

The event, organised by Julia's House and Wild in Art, raised awareness and funding for the children's hospice charity by encouraging people of all ages to get out and about.

The 30 larger Swindog sculptures were designed by artists from the area and further afield, while schools and community groups came up with creative ideas for the 42 smaller Swinpups.

Project manager Chris Hyde said: "We have been blown away by the response from the public to the trail.

“The Swindogs and Swinpups have brought joy, excitement and colour to Swindon over the summer for locals and also for tourists to the town, many of whom have visited just to see the trail.

“It has been amazing to see everyone’s reactions and watch families, children and even pets all enjoying the amazing designs and exploring the local area to visit their favourite places as well as discover new ones.”

The sculptures have now been removed from their podiums around the borough, but there will be one more chance to see them all.

They will be brought together under one roof for the first time for a farewell weekend at the Steam Museum on September 16 and 17.

Guests will be able to pose for pics with their favourite creations or snap up souvenirs and try to win their own mini sculpture.

The unique first prize raffle sculptures have been lovingly donated and designed by renowned artist Robert Mach in the style of his Tunnock’s tea cake-inspired Swindog called ‘Running with the Dogs’.

Tickets for the Farewell Weekend cost £2.50 each and under-3s get free entry. Book online at www.juliashouse.org/book-event/1103 or pay on the day.

An auction at the same venue on September 19 will see the one-of-a-kind artworks finding their forever homes. Proceeds from the auction will go to Julia's House.

Attending the auction costs £10 per person. To book tickets, visit www.juliashouse.org/book-event/1112

To register a bid, visit https://bit.ly/45DN74h