More than 90 individually designed elephant sculptures have descended on Slough and Windsor as part of an initiative to shine a light on hospice care.

Trunks across the Thames, Thames Hospice’s first public art trail, launched today (July 13) and sees the colourful herd appear at locations from Windsor Castle to Slough Trading Estate.

Thousands of people are expected to explore the free trail over the nine weeks it is in situ, in one of the biggest projects the Bray-based hospice has ever undertaken.

Thames Hospice chief executive Dr Rachael de Caux said: "For nearly 40 years, Thames Hospice has been part of this community, caring for local families through some of life's most difficult moments.

"Trunks across the Thames gives us the opportunity to bring people together in a completely different way – through creativity, storytelling and shared experiences."

Leading the way are the 30 large elephant sculptures, each designed by talented artists including The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse creator Charlie Mackesy.

A 'mini herd' of smaller sculptures has also been created by local schools and community groups.

Each elephant has a different story to tell and has been developed to celebrate the region they are situated in, as well as Thames Hospice.

Behind each elephant's vivid colours and creative designs, there is a deeper meaning underlying the project – addressing the 'elephant in the room'.

The aims of the trail include encouraging and reminding people to have more open conversations about death, dying and bereavement, as well as challenging misconceptions about hospice care.

The message, Thames Hospice said, is that hospice care is not just about the end of life; it is about providing compassionate support, choice and dignity whenever people need it most.

Thames Hospice hopes the trail will raise further awareness of the charity and funds to help it continue its work, helping people and their families access vital end-of-life care when they need it.

Thames Hospice, a charity, has to raise two-thirds of its more than £20 million annual budget through its own fundraising. That includes charity shops and the efforts of individual fundraisers.

Dr de Caux said: "Today is a celebration of our community.

"We want people to come for the elephants, enjoy a brilliant summer day out and leave knowing a little more about Thames Hospice, the care we provide and the difference it makes to local families."

She added: "Every elephant tells a different story and reminds us that every story matters.

"We hope this trail creates conversations, inspires kindness and leaves people with a stronger connection to their community and a better understanding of hospice care."

The trail can be explored further through the Trunks across the Thames app, which allows users to track their progress along the trail and learn more about each elephant's story.

A total of £1.45 from every £1.99 app purchase is donated to support Thames Hospice.

Find out more about Trunks across the Thames online.