A bevy of otters will be making an appearance in Farnham this May as part of a fundraising art project supported by the outgoing Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Mike Hodge, Blooming Arts and the Lions Club of Farnham.

The one metre tall otters have been decorated by a mix of professional, amateur and community group artists and sponsored by local businesses and organisations. The 44 otters will be on display in a variety of locations around Farnham during Farnham Town Council’s Walking Festival from 20 May to 29 June.

Councillor Mike Hodge, Mayor of Farnham says: “I would like to thank everybody who has supported the otter project so far. Every otter is a work of art and each is unique.

“The otters will be displayed along a 3.7 mile trail around Farnham town centre. A self-guided leaflet will be available from mid-May so everybody can enjoy the trail at their leisure. Alternatively, you can book to take part in one of three guided versions of the trail which I and two colleagues will be leading during the Walking Festival on Sunday 27 May.”

The Otter Wey art project is being run by Farnham Lions and Blooming Arts. Additional support has been given by the Farnham South Street Trust and the Farnham Institute charities.

The otter was chosen as a way to raise awareness of the importance of clean rivers and waterways when encouraging rare species to return to the River Wey.

The best Otters will be auctioned at Farnham Castle on 9 July. Money raised from the project will be distributed between Woodlarks and Brightwells Gostrey Centre which are the charities supported by Councillor Mike Hodge during his Mayoral year.