A Shaun the Sheep sculpture which was vandalised on the launch day of an art trail has returned following repairs.

Bloom is one of 42 sculptures of the much-loved children’s character placed around Brighton and Hove to raise money for the hospice charity Martlets.

However, it was removed from its concrete plinth by the Pepper Pot in Queen’s Park and left in the middle of the road.

Artist Faye Bridgwater, who designed Bloom, said it was “gutting” that someone had chosen to damage the sculpture.

The sculpture was taken away for repairs but was put back in place on Monday afternoon.

Claire Kidd, head of fundraising at Martlets, said: “We are delighted to have Bloom bringing joy on the trail again.

“There are 42 large sculptures and 77 little Shauns to find and our free Shaun by the Sea app, which has already been downloaded over 4,000 times, is a great way to track all of them, as well as get offers and rewards for our baa-rilliant sponsors.”

Donations to Martlets can be made at shaunbythesea.co.uk/donate.