Elephants go on parade in London to raise funds for charity

Do not adjust your eyes. About 250 life-size model elephants have taken up residence in central London in the capital's most ambitious outdoor art event.

The glass fibre models have been painted or decorated by artists or celebrities including Sir Paul Smith, Diane von Furstenberg and Marc Quinn.

They will be auctioned at Sotheby's in July with the target of raising £2 million to help conserve Asian elephants, whose numbers have fallen by 90 per cent in 100 years. There are fears they will be extinct in 30 years.

The Elephant Parade sculptures can be seen in locations from Hyde Park to City Hall. One model, sponsored by the Evening Standard, is positioned beside the Albert Memorial.

Proceeds will go to the Elephant Family charity, which was set up by Mark Shand, brother of Camilla Parker Bowles.