OCTOPUS patrons have handpicked their favourite artwork for this summer’s Octopus Ahoy! trail.

More than 100 artists showcased their creative designs at a sponsor meets artist event, which took place at the Seaquarium on Clacton Pier.

For ten weeks in the summer between July and September, Tendring, Colchester and the wider Essex area will see its parks and open spaces taken over the eye-catching painted octopus sculptures.

The event will culminate in an auction of the sculptures to raise funds for Essex-based charities. The project celebrates Harwich, the hometown of Captain Christopher Jones, who sailed the Mayflower across to the New World 400 years ago.

Gina Westbook, of Ellisons, one of the sponsors, said: “We’re so excited to finally see the fantastic designs and we can’t wait for the work to begin on ours. It’s going to be great to see the artwork come to life in 3D form and we’ve chosen one which really speaks to us.”

KAT Marketing director Katie Skingle said it was a pleasure to introduce the amazing art submissions to the octopus patrons.She added: “We’ve had lots of fun looking through the hundreds of brilliant artworks. A big thank you must go to all the artists from around the county who have taken the time to get involved.”