THORNBURY has welcomed the arrival of beloved animated dog Gromit as the town joins this summer’s charity trail.

Designed by Portishead artist Sarah-Jane Grace, the statue, named “Honeysuckle Rose”, is on display in St Mary Centre until September 2 as part of 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 first visit to Thornbury and his second starring role in the award-winning charity’s sculpture trail, with Honeysuckle Rose one of more than 60 statues, also including co-star Wallace and nemesis Feathers McGraw, across Bristol and the surrounding area,.

The original Gromit Unleashed took place back in 2013, with Shaun the Sheep taking the spotlight in 2015. This year’s trail is aptly named Gromit Unleased 2.

During the unveiling event this morning, Thornbury Chamber of Commerce chairman Rowena Moncrieffe said she was “absolutely delighted” by the arrival of Honeysuckle Rose.

“It has been quite a tough journey to raise the money but it is thanks to a lot of hard work from the Chamber and the sponsors being supportive,” she said.

“We want to put Thornbury on the map, but more importantly we want to raise money for Bristol Children’s Hospital.”

Having been involved in the previous trails, artist Sarah-Jane said how happy she was to see her work being enjoyed in Thornbury and to again be involved in the project.

“It’s great being part of the Grand Appeal,” she said. “We had a preview event last week and we got to see how amazing they are this year.”

Honeysuckle Rose was based on artwork by William Morris, a famous 18th Century wallpaper designer, and took more than 80 hours to complete.

“I’ve always done them at home, trying to balance them with work, but you feel the more you put in, the more it might raise.”

Thornbury’s mayor Cllr Shirley Holloway gave her thanks to the organisers, adding that she had always hoped the town would 'get a Gromit'.

“With Thornbury’s horticultural status and how incredible the town looks at present ahead of Britain in Bloom judging, it is just perfect so I am delighted to have Gromit here," she said.

“I hope that a lot of people come to Thornbury on the trail and realise what a wonderful place it is, so that they want to come back again.”

There will be plenty going on this summer in support of Gromit's visit, starting with a 'design your own' colouring competition, launching on July 7 at Thornbury Carnival.

Colouring sheets featuring Gromit, Feathers or Wallace can be submitted to one of the collection points at Papillio, Gems, Bonds, Paintpotts, Finishing Touches, Surroundings and News 4 U, with Sarah-Jane judging entries in September.

Special Honeysuckle Rose merchandise will also be available from News 4 U, with all money going to the Grand Appeal Charity