Crowngate Shopping Centre has announced its annual charity of the year.

This year the mantle has been bestowed upon St Richard’s Hospice, a Worcester charity, which has provided care for adults with serious progressive illnesses since 1984.

The hospice aims to improve the quality of patients' lives from diagnosis, during treatment and to their last days.

<hr>

Read more: Worcester elections 2024: St Clement ward candidates

<hr>

The shopping centre has also unveiled plans for its upcoming event in the summer – the Waddle of Worcester art trail.

Running from Monday, July 22 until Sunday, September 15, the event will see a spectacle of two different penguin colonies live in Worcester.

40 large penguins, designed by community artists and sponsored by businesses, will form a free trail around Worcester.

Crowngate will assume the role of the official host for the event’s ‘mini parade’ of penguin chicks designed by the city's schools and community groups.

Michael Lloyd, the shopping centre manager, said: "We fondly reflect on the 2021 art trail, where the shopping centre brimmed with adorable elephant calves and artists passionately decorating the fibreglass sculptures - an unforgettable sight.

"The joyous expressions on the faces of children and families, proudly witnessing their creations showcased, linger in our memories.

"Anticipating the return of everyone to Crowngate this summer, we eagerly await more moments of shared creativity and artistic delight."

Sara Matthews, business development manager for the hospice, said: "We’re absolutely thrilled that Crowngate is continuing to support our care by choosing us as their Charity of the Year.

"We have worked closely with Crowngate from the first city art trail of giraffes in 2018, then majestic elephants in 2021 and we're set for an incredible summer with perfect penguins very soon.

"Being Charity of the Year builds on our close partnership and we look forward to working together in the next 12 months."