Pupils in Chippenham have been going ape for a new art project.

The town now has 13 gorillas in its midst as part of Bristol Zoo’s 175th anniversary.

Each of the three-foot fibreglass creations was decorated by schoolchildren and are being placed in areas including the library, town hall and Monkton Park.

Judy Edwards, of the Chippenham Partnership of Schools, said: “One of the head teachers heard about the project and it wasn’t difficult to promote the idea to other schools.

“The children have had so much fun designing and decorating their sculptures – they’ll no doubt have as much fun finding them in the community.

“it’s a great way of profiling the plight of the gorilla.”

The Wow! Gorillas project included specialists from the zoo talking to pupils about the species.

The project lasts until September 5. For details, contact Judy Edwards on (01249) 448219.