A HERD of colourful elephants will take up residence at the intu shopping centre, Uxbridge, this week at the start of a month of activities in the borough.

Thirty full-size elephant statues, designed by artists, celebrities and local children, will visit the centre as part of the national Elephant Parade. Designed to increase awareness of the plight of the Asian Elephant, which is threatened with extinction, the parade has been touring the country for the last year, raising funds for the Asian Elephant Foundation.

One of the herd, Kiku, left the herd to visit the Battle of Britain Bunker at RAF Uxbridge on Friday.

Donna Watson, marketing manager at into, said Kiku’s appearance coincided with the 70th anniversary of the Normandy Landings.

She said: “We’re really excited to have Elephant Parade at our centre throughout June and we’ve planned a full month of fun elephant activities.

“Look out for our #Elphiecompetition, due to launch at our annual Everyone’s Invited festival on June 7 and 8 for the chance to win some fabulous prizes.”