A PRINTING business will raffle off a huge Marvel superhero sculpture which took thousands of hours to print and paint.

Southend-based 3D FilaPrint created the eight-foot-tall sculpture of Groot, the tree-like superhero, voiced by Vin Diesel, from the hit blockbuster film Guardians of the Galaxy, released in 2014.

The model is made from 30 spools and 9,750 metres of biodegradable plastic.

It took 1,500 hours of 3D printing and ten hours of hand painting by the talented Georgina Frier.

The firm, based in Grainger Road, will now put the sculpture up for raffle with all cash raised going to Little Havens Hospice, which cares for children with life-limiting conditions.

Tim Kay, manager of the business, said: “In early 2019 we decided to embark on a project that would make use of some 3D printing plastics we had on stock, which may otherwise have ended up in landfill. Although the plastic material itself is made from corn starch and would eventually bio-degrade, we decided to make use of the plastic, bring it back to life and the idea of ‘Groot’ was born.

“We came across a small online digital version of ‘Groot’ last year that had been created and thought it would be great to try and recreate something similar with 3D print on a much larger scale. The models have also been a big hit with the children from the school down the road to our unit; they are excited to see them outside when they walk past on their way from school and several people have asked for their photos with them.”

The firm has launched a crowdfunding campaign and everyone who donates will be entered into the draw to win the Groot sculpture, with the winner being announced on May 29.

Mr Kay added: “We thought it would be great to fundraise by offering the wonderful models to anyone who is interested and put the money to a very worthwhile cause.

“Several years ago, my wife and I owned a computer repair company and when we closed the business, we sold off the remaining stock and gave the proceeds to Little Havens.

“Every pound someone donates will equate to one entry in the draw – the more you donate the more chance you have of winning.”

To enter the draw, go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/auctioning-our-well-loved-3d-printed-groot-son.