A new art trail is proving a hit with thousands of families visiting North Tyneside to see the famous figures.
Around 30,000 people are thought to have explored North Tyneside’s town centres over the last few weeks after the launch of Morph’s Epic Art Adventure - providing a boost to the economy.
The trail features 20 life-sized, individually designed, sculptures inspired by the iconic clay character who made his TV debut in 1977 on the BBC children’s art programme Take Hart, alongside artist and presenter Tony Hart.
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More than 10,000 interactive apps and maps of the trail have already been downloaded, with only a small number of printed maps now remaining in libraries.
Coun Sarah Day, North Tyneside Council's cabinet member for culture, sport and leisure said, “The borough’s visitor economy is worth over £280m annually and supports over 4,000 jobs, so we constantly explore opportunities to grow that if we can.
“Events like these are proven to stimulate the economy and increase spend, support jobs and encourage people to get outdoors and active, improving mental health and support wellbeing."
Karen Goldfinch, chair of North Tyneside Business Forum, added: “At what's a traditionally quiet trading time of year for businesses it's been good to see this event bringing footfall to our town centres.
“Seeing families out enjoying themselves, finding new businesses they didn't know about, buying a coffee, enjoying a meal out or buying from a local shop is so good to see.
“It seems fitting that we have the Morph trail in North Tyneside, after all plasticine was invented by William Harbutt, from North Shields.
"We've a strong connection with art and the creative industries here and using local artists to create these figures is inspiring the next generation to continue in these footsteps.”
The colourful models can be found in Whitley Bay, Wallsend, Killingworth, Forest Hall, Tynemouth, North Shields and Cullercoats until Sunday, April 3.
Funding for Morph’s Epic Art Adventure came from the North of Tyne Combined Authority. It was created by Wild in Art. For more information see www.visitnorthtyneside.com.
