People looking to volunteer at the landmark Herd in the City event later this year can find out more at drop in sessions this month.

Havens Hospices is holding drop-in sessions for those looking to volunteer for the unforgettable public art trail.

The sessions are being held at Fair Havens in Priory Crescent on Thursday January 26, 4pm to 6pm and Tuesday January 31, from 10am to 11.30am, for people who would like to find out more or sign up in person.

The charity is looking for enthusiastic 'Volunt-eles', aged 16 and over, to engage with trail-goers and look after 45 uniquely designed elephant sculptures placed around the streets of Southend, Shoeburyness and Leigh.

The role includes helping visitors to find their way around the trail, checking on the sculptures to ensure they are clean and well-maintained and reporting any issues to the charity. It involves walking, so a good level of fitness is needed, as well as being an enthusiastic communicator who is confident talking to and engaging with people.

Kim Hamber, volunteer experience manager for Havens Hospices, said: “Volunteering is an ideal way to share the skills you have or learn new ones. It’s also a chance to give something back to your local community and a great addition to your CV.

“By volunteering for the Herd In The City, you will have a unique opportunity to be a key part of a high-profile event raising awareness and much-needed funds for Havens Hospices.”

The trail runs from the week commencing Monday 10 July, for eight weeks, and the charity is looking for volunteers to give a minimum of four hours of their time per week, between the hours of 10am and 2pm or 2pm and 6pm on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday during the trail.

Full training and support will be provided. As a thank you for supporting the trail, they will receive limited edition merchandise and be invited to the Farewell event in September.

At the end of the trail, the elephants will be sold at auction to raise thousands of pounds for the free, specialist hospice care Havens Hospices provides for local adults, children, and their families following the success of the charity’s ‘Hares About Town’ trail in 2021.

If you think you are up to the ‘tusk’, find out more and apply online to be ‘Volun-tele’ at www.havenshospices.org.uk/voluntele. -