'Nellie the elephant' in Luton's The Mall is first of 30 set to parade through Luton for Keech's birthday

As a teaser for the "Big Trunk Trail" project, Luton's The Mall has become the first venue to welcome one of the vibrantly designed elephants in its centre.

Alongside the chance to get up close to the ornately designed sculpture until Sunday November 9, shoppers are also being invited to take part in The Big Trunk Trail’s "Name Our Nellie" competition to win £100 to spend at The Mall.

The official Big Trunk Trail will offer a free art trail around Luton’s landmarks for 11 weeks starting from July 3, 2021.

Lavinia Douglass, marketing manager at The Mall, said: “Ahead of the main tour of The Big Trunk Trail, we’re delighted to welcome one of the impressive elephants here to the centre, giving guests a taster of what to expect next summer.

"To celebrate the launch of The Big Trunk Trail we’re asking shoppers to name the sculpture for the chance to win £100 to spend here in The Mall.

"The Big Trunk Trail will offer families the chance to spot 30 uniquely designed elephants around Luton for free, designed by artists from Luton and all over the UK. The elephants will also be joined by elephant calf sculptures which will be decorated by local schools and community groups.”

Liz Searle, CEO of Keech Hospice Care, added: “The charity is delighted to be bringing The Big Trunk Trail to Luton in 2021 to mark the hospice’s 30th anniversary.

“We’re very excited to be working with The Mall to showcase our elephant and can’t wait to see more of these magnificent sculptures standing among Luton’s iconic attractions and streets, bringing colour and fun to the town next summer.”