The Calvert Trust is attracting a flock of artists and businesses to support a sheep-inspired art trail to help celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Go Herdwick was launched this autumn by hill farmer and writer James Rebanks to raise funds for the charity, based in Keswick.

It wants local businesses to sponsor 60 life-size models of herdwick ewes. 

The businesses then team up with a local artist who in turns transforms the fibreglass model into a colourful masterpiece.

Once the flock’s makeover is complete, they will take up residence from Keswick to Windermere along the 555 bus route from next April.

People can hunt them out over the summer months and enjoy them in their ‘natural’ habitat before the ewes regroup for a public viewing in September, followed by an auction in October, where the highest bidders can bid for, and take home, their favourite.

Funds raised from the project will go towards a £1.3 million renovation of Calvert Trust’s Old Windebrowe site in Keswick.

The new facility will provide rehabilitation for patients recovering from acquired brain injury and stroke.

So far, over 40 Herdwicks have found sponsors and over 30 artists and designers of local and national repute have offered their skills.

However the trust is now appealing for people to get involved.

Justin Farnan, business manager at The Lake District Calvert Trust said: "The response we have received so far from sponsors, artists and members of the public has been fantastic and we’re confident that the project will be a huge success."

For more information, or to sponsor a sheep, visit  www.goherdwick.co.uk or call 017687 72255.