Fraser Norman, 3 and his sister Molly, 6 proved their love for Elmer by visiting each and every one of the 164 elephant sculptures, inspired by the much-loved children’s storybook character, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, across Tyne and Wear this autumn. The trail was organised by and raising funds for St Oswald’s Hospice, and comprised of 50 elephants designed and painted by artists along with 114 smaller versions decorated by schools and youth groups.

Trail-goers were encouraged to try their hand at the little herd quiz, which required them to visit every little herd venue and answer questions relating to the Elmer designs or venue. Fraser and Molly got every question correct and Fraser’s quiz sheet was picked out of the hat winning him a lovely selection of Elmer goodies.

Fraser and Molly decided to embark on their Elmer quest as a way of filling in some days during the last couple of weeks of the school summer holidays. The quest was enjoyed by all the family with the children being joined by mum Shona, Dad Dan, and Granny Dorothy. The family chose a different area to visit each day and they sought out both the big and little Elmers using the trail map downloaded from the St Oswald’s website. The trail got the family out and about across the region taking them to places they’d never been before but many they agreed to visit again.