A GIRAFFE sculpture removed from its plinth by vandals has been repaired and will return to a city-wide art trail.

Artist Amrit Singh, who painted Diversity is Us, the giraffe placed on Fort Royal Hill, said: “The whole thing was removed from the plinth. It must have taken a lot of force to do that because they’re bolted on.”

Mr Singh added: “I had to re-draw some of the design by hand, and refill the scratches. There were many on the body.”

The sculpture was removed from its home earlier this month after it was damaged.

Mr Singh who has created pieces for other public art trails said outdoor art does get damaged sometimes but this level of damage is “quite rare, and doesn’t happen often.”

It is the third giraffe in the Worcester Stands Tall art trail damaged since the trail began on July 9.

Mr Singh said: “It is a shame and the rest of us normal people cannot really comprehend why someone would damage a piece of art, especially for charity.”

Mr Singh said he has received “amazing” messages about the giraffe, which will be auctioned to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice.

He said: “I have had messages from people who are going through chemo who have been to the park every day and have seen it.

"People have a real connection with it so they feel a little bit hurt when this happens. When they see something colourful like that, it lifts them. I think it represents hope.”

Sara Matthews, project manager for Worcester Stands Tall, said: “Thanks to our fantastic repair team, Diversity is nearly ready to return to its place atop Fort Royal Hill.

“We are so excited to see this beautiful sculpture back in position for everyone to enjoy during the last few weeks of the trail. Thank you to everyone for their support and understanding.”

Mr Singh added: “It’s not just raising money for a good cause, it’s the community response. It brings the community together and it is quite a special thing.”