A flock of very colourful sheep including Ed Sheeram, based on the Suffolk superstar, will go under the hammer at auction after delighting families over the summer on the streets of Eye.

Visitors flocked to see the first Eye Sheep Art Trail with 24 sculptures sponsored by local businesses and painted by local artists, along with seven small decorated lambs, on display around the town.

The event has been organised by The Blossom Charity, which is based in the town, with the theme chosen in celebration of Eye's historic connection to the Suffolk wool trade.

Now the sheep themed art are to be sold to the highest bidder at a glitzy charity auction being held at Kenton Hall at Debenham at 7pm on September 12.

Diss Mercury: 24 life-size sheep painted by local artists will be auctioned following the first Eye Sheep Art Trail. Picture: The Blossom Charity24 life-size sheep painted by local artists will be auctioned following the first Eye Sheep Art Trail. Picture: The Blossom Charity (Image: The Blossom Charity)

The auction, sponsored by the travel company Imaginative Traveller, promises to be a glamorous event with an exotic buffet and drinks reception and the proceedings overseen by a professional auctioneer.

All the sheep exhibits from the Art Trail will be up for auction, along with other items including a Maggi Hambling painting and a framed T-shirt signed by Ed Sheeran himself.

Other celebrity connections include a sheep signed by Gary Avis who dances with the Royal Ballet and a musically inspired sheep signed by the musician Rick Wakeman who lives near Diss.

Diss Mercury: 'Ramesh' one of the sculpture on display during the first Eye Sheep Art Trail. Picture: The Blossom Charity'Ramesh' one of the sculpture on display during the first Eye Sheep Art Trail. Picture: The Blossom Charity (Image: The Blossom Charity)

All the funds raised on the night will support the charity that helps women, who want to find their confidence and make positive changes in their life, to be the best they can be.

The Blossom Charity founder Bridget McIntyre said: "We have been overwhelmed by the success of the Sheep Art Trail. It was a joy to see the amount of visitors the sheep attracted to the town.

"The whole idea was to organise an event that gave something back to the local community as well as raise funds for the charity.

Diss Mercury: 'Rocky Ram' one of the sculpture on display during the first Eye Sheep Art Trail. Picture: The Blossom Charity'Rocky Ram' one of the sculpture on display during the first Eye Sheep Art Trail. Picture: The Blossom Charity (Image: The Blossom Charity)

"I am so pleased that the local community have so willingly supported us and I am hoping that this amazing goodwill and momentum will continue through to the auction of these unique pieces of art."

- For details on how you can bid if you are unable to attend in person visit eyesheeparttrail.co.uk