A giant ‘Gromit’ has been found etched into a field near Bristol – by passengers on board planes flying at 4,000ft.
Pictures of the sculpture were posted on social media last week by a bemused traveller, who was on board a flight to Bristol Airport at the time.
The images caused quite a stir on Twitter , as users – evidently not from Bristol – debated what it signified and where it came from.
Some suggested it was to do with a farmer’s harvest while others joked it was an ancient structure that had been revealed as a result of the recent warm weather.
However, it turns out the structure is actually the design of Avon Valley Park’s new maize maze – which explains why it is so large and why it can be seen from so high up.
What the…? Flying into Bristol airport. pic.twitter.com/6VuG3QIS2p
— Dan Prosser (@TheDanProsser) July 27, 2018
The ‘Gromit’-like sculpture – which is actually a fox called ‘Cubby’ – is a nod to Bristol’s Gromit Unleashed trail, which launched earlier this summer.
Approximately 70 sculptures of Aardman’s loveable pooch Gromit, owner Wallace and arch-enemy Feathers McGraw have been installed across Bristol as part of the trail, which will raise vital funds for the Grand Appeal.
Staff at Avon Valley Park decided to morph their maze into the shape of Cubby in order to promote the trail and their new sculpture.
A spokesperson explained: “We are thrilled to be sponsoring a Gromit Unleashed sculpture and decided to celebrate this prestigious trail by designing our amazing maize maze into the shape of ‘Cubby’ the Gromit sculpture we have at Avon Valley Park.
“All entry donations will go straight to The Grand Appeal.”
The maize maze, which members of the public can explore for as little as £1, is open daily from noon until 6pm.
A spokesperson for Gromit Unleashed encouraged those travelling via Bristol Airport to make the most of their aerial views of the maze.
“For any budding pilots out there, or if you’re traveling abroad, why not grab the ultimate Gromit Unleashed photograph and take an aerial snap as this maze can be seen from the skies,” the spokesperson said.
