Great Western Railway has unveiled a 6ft tall statue of beloved TV-animated character Morph at Paddington station.

The iconic character is forming part of the UK’s first step-free art trail, Morph’s Epic Art Adventure in London.

From Monday, June 19, the art trail created by Whizz-Kidz, the UK charity working with and supporting young wheelchair users, will see statues of Morph placed around London alongside some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks.

The free event’s sculptures have been inspired by the animated clay character Morph, who has been making mischief and encouraging generations of kids – and adults – to get creative since the 1970s.

In his original guise, Morph – created by Bristol-based animation company Aardman – lived on a desk, within the confines of an artist’s studio, but now he’s breaking free as he appears across London sporting various different looks.

Each of the six-foot statues has been designed by a different artist and will be placed alongside various landmarks throughout London for people of all ages to enjoy.

Along with The Paddington Partnership, a voluntary grouping of the main companies in Paddington which promotes activity and regeneration in the area, Swindon-based GWR will be bringing Fish Ahoy! to the Eastbourne Terrace entrance to Paddington station.

Designed by Northumberland artist, Ali Elly, Fish Ahoy! introduces Morph dressed as a bearded fisherman, in full yellow oilskins and a striped top.

At the end of the trail, the Morphs will be auctioned off to raise vital funds for Whizz-Kidz to help young people by providing wheelchairs; equipment; support; confidence-building experiences they need, and campaigning for a more inclusive society.

GWR sales and marketing director, Amanda Burns, said: “The fact that this is the UK’s first fully-accessible art trail is hugely important to us, as we are committed to making train travel as accessible as possible for everyone, from train to trail.

"We cannot wait to support Whizz-Kidz in making Morph’s adventure part of our customers’ Great Western Adventures.”

Whizz-Kidz Corporate Partnerships Officer, Toby Briggs, said: “Whizz-Kidz is delighted to be partnering with GWR and The Paddington Partnership for Morph’s Epic Art Adventure in London, London’s first step-free art trail.

"Together, we will be bringing ‘Fish Ahoy!’ to one of London’s most iconic locations, Paddington Station."

Morph’s Epic Adventure in London - featuring 56 sculptures - runs from Monday 19 June until Sunday, August 20, with ‘Fish Ahoy!’ located at the Eastbourne Terrace entrance to the station.