The Big Burton Carousel saw more than 20,000 visitors view the recycled plastic sculptures with a trail spanning the Staffordshire town.

Having been on display for three months, the sculptures – which are based on the carousel fairground rides made by Burton’s famous fairground makers Orton and Spooner – will be auctioned off on Wednesday, October 19 to raise funds for Burton and District Mind.

The event, at The National Brewery Centre in Horninglow Street, Burton, commences at 7.30pm with the auction starting at 8pm.

As well as live bidding at the venue, the sale will be broadcast online so people can bid via the internet if they cannot attend in person.

100 per cent of funds raised will go to charity, with no online fees or commissions charged.

The catalogue can be viewed online right here. You can also register to bid on the same link.

The Big Burton Carousel is run by art organisation Making Trails – in 2020, the same team ran the Burton Swans sculpture trail, which raised £11,000 for Burton YMCA.

This year’s auction is expected to raise thousands of pounds for Burton and District Mind, money which will go towards expanding the area’s volunteer mental health programme to support specialist training, supervision and pilot projects. Burton and District MIND also covers areas including Lichfield, Burntwood, Tamworth and Uttoxeter.

This will include introducing 20 new volunteers to identify and support those living with poor mental health.

Mr Winterton said: “We were honoured and delighted to conduct the auction of the Burton Swans back in 2020 which raised more than £11,000 for charity.

“Following that wonderful result and with the same team behind it, we’re sure that The Big Burton Carousel will be another stunning success.

“Now more than two years down the line since Covid hit, the impact of the virus and various lockdowns are still being felt; combined with the extra pressures of life today, Burton and District MIND is such a special charity to support.

“The project is also celebrating some great local heritage with its reference to fairground manufacturers Orton and Spooner.

“It is a perfect fit for us and we’re excited to be involved.”

Each 1.65m tall sculpture will be enhanced and repaired to make them as good as new for the auction after three months’ of public display.

Tilley Bancroft, artist and owner of Making Trails, described the auction as a ‘great opportunity for businesses and households to acquire a unique piece of art’.

“Each carousel horse sculpture has been lovingly hand-painted by local artists and feature unique designs,” she said.

“Perfect for horse-themed businesses, such as stables and racecourses, or just those looking for a unique piece of art, the new owners will also be helping to support individuals when they need it most.

“The last three years have been an extremely difficult time for many and that has had an effect on people’s mental health. Charities like Burton and District Mind are helping to offer a lifeline of support when people need it most.

“The auction is a great way to raise as much money as possible to support our local community.”

Keri Lawrence, development and sustainability officer at Burton and District Mind, said projects such as The Big Burton Carousel are vital in helping to raise the money required to support the growing numbers of people facing mental health problems.

“We are seeing a growing number of referrals for our services as people continue to face uncertain times,” he said.

“Funds raised through the auction will go directly towards supporting those struggling in our communities to improve mental wellbeing and offer much needed support when people need it the most.”

For auction information or to arrange a free valuation, call 01543 256501, email office@richardwinterton.co.uk or visit www.richardwinterton.co.uk.

To find out more about the carousel horses and the event, visit TheBigBurtonCarouselAuction.eventbrite.com or www.makingtrails.co.uk.