A design for a giant bee sculpture by an artist from Maldon has been selected for Farleigh Hospice's new art trail in Chelmsford this summer.  

Charlie Stafford's colourful bee is called 'Hive of Hope'.

It will be part of 'Buzz in the City', Chelmsford's first sculpture art trail, which will open with a launch event in the High Street on Saturday July 5.

It is one of 30 giant bees designed and painted by talented artists that will be installed outside places of interest around the city centre, alongside smaller mini bees that have been decorated by schools, care homes and community groups.

The family-friendly art event will run until Tuesday 9 September and then the giant bees will be sold at auction on 17 September to raise money for Farleigh Hospice.  

Charlie describes 'Hive of Hope' as 'a bright, colourful and happy celebration of life and nature'.

It will be on display in Oaklands Park, near the Museum of Chelmsford. 

Her bee is a tribute to her husband's grandpa, Tim South, who was also from Maldon, and was cared for by Farleigh.

The charity provides compassionate hospice care for adults living with life-limiting illnesses and their families, across mid Essex including Maldon and the Dengie peninsula, Braintree, Chelmsford, Halstead and Witham. Farleigh also offers bereavement information and support to children and adults and makes no charge for any of its services 

Charlie said, "I first met my husband, Ollie, about six months after Tim died, but I feel like I know Tim as his family always talks about him.

"He was very poorly and they speak very highly about the excellent care that he was given by Farleigh.

"Tim was the director of Tideway Dinghies, so I have hidden a picture of a little sail boat in my design as a tribute to him."  

Claire Perry from Manuka Doctor, the company sponsoring her sculpture, gave positive feedback to the creation.

Farleigh is working with Chelmsford For You – the City's Business Improvement District – to organise Buzz in the City, with the support of Chelmsford City Council. The art trail's headline sponsors are Teledyne E2V and Fisher Jones Greenwood Solicitors. 

The giant and mini bee sculptures have been created for Farleigh Hospice by Making Trails, a company that designs, manufactures and installs bespoke art trails across the UK. 

For the latest news and information on Buzz in the City, go to www.buzzinthecity.co.uk .