A HAMPSHIRE hotel welcomed one of its most exotic guests as it joined the charge to be part of an unforgettable summer.

The Holiday Inn Winchester has become the second business to be part of a rhino-shaped public art craze that will be sweeping across Southampton in 2013.

Brightly coloured life-sized rhinos will be popping up in streets and parks across the city next summer as part of Marwell Wildlife’s Go! Rhinos event to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

The rhino will join many other sculptures to create a spectacular trail around the city and will not only raise awareness of the plight of rhinos in the wild but will also boost the city’s economy and provide families with a great day out.

Siobhan Thomasson, general manager of Holiday Inn Winchester, said: “We are delighted to be part of such a creative event. It’s a great opportunity for the community to come together, raise important funds for charity and have great fun completing the stunning trail.”

The Holiday Inn joins the Ageas Bowl which led the stampede to get involved, but Marwell Wildlife is urging more businesses and schools to get on board and help make this a huge success.

To get involved contact leigh@businesssolent.com or call 0844 225 3130 or visit marwell.org.uk/gorhinos for more details.