These two rhino babies have been decorated by pupils at local primary schools and are already in residence at the Ellesmere Port museum – and they will shortly be joined by their full size cousin Ronald Rhino.

Ronald Rhino has been designed and painted by artists at West Cheshire College to represent the past, present and future of Ellesmere Port and he will be sited at the entrance to the museum for the summer rhino festival.

Museum manager John Inch said: “We’re delighted to be part of this great community art celebration – crafts and decoration were an important part of life on Britain’s waterways and it is great to be able to reflect this in a modern way. We have good links with the students at West Cheshire College and local primary schools and it has been exciting working with them on this project.”

Rhinomania is the latest in a series of public art events in the North West. More than 60 decorated rhinos will be on display through Chester and Cheshire from July 5 to September 12, forming a colourful trail. The rhinos have been designed by students, professional artists and community groups and will be auctioned off for charity at the end of the event.