The sculptures from this year's OxTrail will be sold at auction in mid-September to raise money for an Oxford hospice.

More than 130 uniquely decorated oxen have been placed across the city this summer for the public art installation.

The sale will see 43 of the sculptures go to auction on September 13 following the end of the trail on August 30.

TV show Bargain Hunt's Thomas Forrester will host the event at the Saïd Business School in Oxford from 7.30pm, with the money going to Sobell House Hospice.

OxTrail will finish on August 30 after eight weeksOxTrail will finish on August 30 after eight weeks (Image: OxTrail 2024)

It will take place both in person and online and those looking to attend can register their interest now.

He said: "I simply can’t wait to wield my gavel like an American cowboy in the mid-west driving my herd to an ox-tounding sale at auction, raising such much needed and valuable funds for Sobell Hospice."

Among the auction offerings is the 'Post-ox', which features doodles and signatures from more than 20 famous people including Dame Judi Dench, Dame Prue Leith and the band Radiohead.

Also up for sale is the BBC Radio Oxford sculpture, named 'Tony' after the artist's grandad, who received care from Sobell House.

It features crocheted segments representing the "colourful and diverse" communities of Oxfordshire.

Both of these pieces have starting prices of £1,300.

Also at the auction will be children’s illustrator KorKy Paul with his 'Winnie and Wilbur' inspired ox, and international artist Amanda Quellin’s design inspired by the stained glass found in Oxford's architecture.

Korky Paul before painting one of the sculpturesKorky Paul before painting one of the sculptures (Image: OxTrail 2024)

Both of these sculptures have starting prices of £2,500.

Director of fundraising, Beth Marsh, from Sobell House Hospice, said: "The auction provides a fantastic opportunity to own a unique piece of art while supporting the vital work we do at the hospice.

"We are very excited for the sale, it’s the perfect opportunity to purchase one of the moo-jestic ox sculptures and share in the legacy of OxTrail 2024."

People wanting to attend the auction can purchase £50 tickets, which includes drinks, canapés and entry.

Online registration is also open for those wishing to place their bids ahead of the auction.

Ms Marsh added: "We give people the chance to live well in the time they have left and provide them with compassionate and dignified end of life care.

"Please place your bids and make an ox-tra big difference this September."

OxTrail is Oxford’s first ever art sculpture trail and is taking place for eight weeks.

As part of the trail, Sobell House teamed up with Oxford Brookes University to offer the OxTrail Learning Programme to engage with children across the county.