'Herd Of Elephants' Take Over Trafalgar Sq.

A herd of hand-painted 'baby elephants' has taken over London's Trafalgar Square.

Ablaze with colour the square is showcasing elephant artworks that have been designed by the likes of Tommy Hilfiger and Matthew Williamson.

The life-sized artworks form part of a collection of 260 model elephants taking over the English capital this summer for the London Elephant Parade 2010.

Julien Macdonald, Alice Temperley, Diane von Furstenberg, Lulu Guinness, Marc Quinn and John Rocha are also among those who have taken part in the initiative, raising awareness of the plight of Asian elephants.

The highly collectable artworks will pop up at a host of London landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Parliament Square and the South Bank over the next few months, before being auctioned off to raise money for charity.

The money will help The Elephant Family charity and more than 15 UK conservation charities working in Asia.

Among the works marching on Trafalgar Square was Williamson's elephant made up of a glittery rainbow of colours, and Hilfiger's artwork painted bold red and sporting a mohican of foliage across its head.

An elephant by Paul Smith was fashionably attired in pastel shades and signed by the designer on its knee.

The works are expected to raise £1 million when later auctioned.

(LB/BMcC)