UNIVERSITY students in Southampton have joined the charge that is seeing rhino mania sweep across the city.

Solent University have become the latest supporters of Marwell Wildlife’s public art extravaganza, Go! Rhinos.

Next summer Southampton will be home to the world class public art event that will see brightly coloured rhino sculptures pop up across the city creating an unforgettable trail for families.

For ten weeks life-sized rhino sculptures, painted by some of the region’s leading artists, will inhabit the streets and parks in Southampton as part of Marwell’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

The spectacular rhinos will create an amazing trail across the city to raise awareness of the plight of these incredible creatures and give a welcome boost to the city’s economy.

But, not just content with having their own rhino, art and design students at the university will also be creating the design for it.

Peter Lloyd, head of the School of Art and Design at Solent said: “We are delighted to be involved with Marwell. As well as supporting a very worthwhile cause, the Go!

Rhinos project provides an excellent opportunity for the students from Southampton Solent School of Art and Design to display their work in a public context and engage in a professional way with a high-profile campaign.”

The project is asking businesses to pay between £3,500 to £4,000 for a sculpture. Five businesses are already on board, including the Daily Echo and the Ageas Bowl, and schools are also being encouraged to get involved by buying their own smaller sculpture.

Some of the proceeds from the auction of the sculptures at the end of the ten-week trail through the city, will go towards Marwell Wildlife’s work with rhino conservation.

Money will also go towards other conservation projects within the park, as well as the Rose Road Association.