GROMIT the dog will be visiting Thornbury this summer, the town’s Chamber of Commerce has announced.

A sculpture of the canine star of the Oscar-winning Aardman Animation films is set to go on display as the town joins the Grand Appeal trail, supporting Bristol Children’s Hospital and the special care baby unit at St Michael’s Hospital.

This year marks Gromit’s second starring role in the award-winning charity’s sculpture trail, following the first Gromit Unleashed in 2013, with Shaun the Sheep taking the spotlight in 2015.

This time, however, Gromit will not be alone, being joined by Wallace and arch nemesis Feathers McGraw.

From Monday, July 2 to Sunday, September 2, Thornbury will play host to one of more than 60 statues featuring the trio around the streets of Bristol and the surrounding area, with Thornbury Chamber of Commerce announcing they will join the trail for the first time.

Fundraising has been a pivotal part of bringing the character to Thornbury, with many businesses and organisations getting involved.

Among the groups being recognised by the Chamber for their donations are the Peer Group, Thornbury Town Council, the Lions club of Thornbury, the Rotary Club of Thornbury, the Friends of Thornbury Carnival, Cadman Wealth Planning, Bonds of Thornbury, Milburys, Gems, Papilio at Heritage, Star Legal, Barcan + Kirby, The Wheatsheaf, Bramley & Gage, Guy Rawlinson and Andrea Bates, and Anon Thornbury Residents.

Rowena Moncrieffe, Mich Horton and Zoe Gilbraith from Thornbury Chamber of Commerce

“We are very excited that Gromit will be coming to visit Thornbury,” said Rowena Moncrieffe, chairman of Thornbury Chamber of Commerce.

“With the popularity of previous trails in the past, it would be great to see him bring in many new visitors to see what Thornbury has to offer.

“We are keeping our lips sealed for the moment, but keep a look out for more information about where Gromit will be located in the coming weeks.”

The Chamber will be organising a range of activities and fundraising events during the trail. For more information, visit thornburychamberofcommerce.org.uk.

For more updates on the Gromit Unleashed campaign, visit gromitunleashed.org.uk.