Today's Object of the Week is a world famous sheep - or, more accurately, 115 world famous sheep.

Next week, dozens of large and individually decorated statues of Wallace and Gromit’s fleecy friend Shaun the Sheep will be placed across Tyneside.

The fundraising art trail will see 45 large and 70 smaller Shaun the Sheep sculptures scattered round the city from Wednesday (July 19) for 10 weeks.

The Shauns will be found in parks, streets and in public buildings. A herd of little Shauns, created by young people from schools, youth groups, nurseries and clubs will be displayed in 13 little flocks in indoor locations in the city.

Trail organisers, St Oswald’s Hospice, have worked with creative producers Wild in Art and Shaun the Sheep creators, Aardman, to create the trail.

All profits from the trail will support the work of St Oswald’s and help local adults, young people, children and babies living with life-limiting and incurable conditions.

The Northern Echo: St Oswald’s Hospice, have worked with creative producers Wild in Art and Shaun the Sheep creators, Aardman, for the trailSt Oswald’s Hospice, have worked with creative producers Wild in Art and Shaun the Sheep creators, Aardman, for the trail (Image: SORTED PR)

To help people navigate the route, intrepid explorers will be able to pick up a copy of a special map, designed by Different Narrative.

The agency has given their support on the two previous trails – Great North Snowdogs in 2016 and Elmer’s Great North Parade in 2019 – and offered their services again for this year’s event.

Different Narrative’s map will help people navigate the various locations where the flock can be found, and includes vital additional information to ensure they get the most out of the experience along with the iconic Shaun characters.

The maps will be available to pick up from vendors across the region, including Shaun on the Tyne Trail HQ, at Newcastle Civic Centre, and all St Oswald’s shops, for a suggested donation to the hospice of £1.

Trail HQ is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm and will be staffed by members of the team who will be on hand to answer any questions. As well as maps, there is the opportunity to buy merchandise - including handmade Shaun goodies - and raffle tickets and take part in drop in activities.

A trail app can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play Store by visiting www.shaunonthetyne.co.uk/app or by searching for ‘Shaun on the Tyne’ in the app.

Read about other sculptures which have featured in previous Objects of the Week here:

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Once the trail ends, there will be one last chance to see the flock in all of their glory at the Shaun on the Tyne: Farewell to the Flock event on October 7 and 8 at Newcastle Civic Centre.

Tickets prices are £4 adult, £2 child (four-to-15), Under fours free but need to book a ticket. Family ticket £10 (up to four people including one or two adults). Booking fees will be added at checkout. Tickets can be bought at www.shaunonthetyne.co.uk/farewell.

The big sculptures will be then sold at The Shaun on the Tyne Grand Finale Auction on October 10 and the little ones returned to their schools and youth groups to keep forever. Tickets will go on sale in August. Visit www.shaunonthetyne.co.uk/auction to register interest in being a bidder.