The creator of Wallace and Gromit was joined by crowds to launch this year’s Gromit Unleashed trail.

Fans of the Aardman characters will be able to visit the sculptures in 53 locations in and around Bristol from Monday.

The trail will raise money for The Grand Appeal, which supports Bristol Children’s Hospital by funding research, supporting families and paying for life-saving equipment. Previous Gromit Unleashed trails raised more than £20m.

Nick Park, the creator of Wallace and Gromit, said: “People have worked so hard on the designs and decoration of these characters. It’s just going to light up Bristol for the summer.”

The third Gromit Unleashed trail was officially launched at Bristol Harbourside earlier, with sculptures arriving by steam train.

“It’s not my usual mode of transport to work,” said Park.

“It was a great thrill to be on board. I felt like Feathers McGraw in The Wrong Trousers film driving the train, just not as fast.”

A crowd watched as Park drove 12 sculptures of his characters, including Wallace, Gromit and Feathers McGraw. Some were designed by the likes of Pixar, Sir Paul McCartney and Lucas Films, which created the Star Wars franchise.

Park said: “For me to have my characters as a blank canvas for all these amazing artists, it’s such a privilege.”