THIRTY model giraffes which have been dotted around Colchester will go under the hammer for more than £60,000.

Each giraffe, created by north Essex artists, is set to fetch between £2,000 and £7,000 each at auction next month.

The figures have been part of the Stand Tall scheme, which marked the 50th anniversary of Colchester Zoo.

James Grinter, an auctioneer at Reeman Dansie, where the giraffes will be sold off, said: “It will certainly be the most unique auction I will have been involved in.

“We’re very excited here because Stand Tall is a project I think the Colchester public have really taken to their hearts.

“We have already had a lot of interest on them.”

He added: “They are genuine works of art and they could prove to be a great investment for people, that’s the feeling we’re getting from potential buyers.”

The auction will take place on September 19 at Firstsite in Colchester.

To book tickets or register an interest, go to colchester.zoo.org/standtall.

All proceeds go to the Maldon Road zoo’s charity, Action for the Wild.