An Asian-inspired design will grace an elephant at a Norwich shopping centre when a colourful herd descends upon it next month.

The Elephant Parade of 30 large elephant models at intu Chapelfield will be accompanied by seven smaller models painted with designs by pupils at seven Norfolk schools.

EDP education correspondent Martin George joined the judging panel for the Hewett School's entry, and Saule Juskeviciute, 14, was declared the winner for her blue and purple patterns and swirls.

She said: 'I saw a lot of pictures of similar ones but they were finer in detail and I really liked them so I thought I would try to make my own, but with clearer colours like blue.

'I didn't expect to win. I'm excited. I did not know it was going to be a competition. I thought it was just something we were given to colour in.'

Three others pupils were highly commended. Kathryn Baker, 13, covered her elephant with daisies, and her success can only be a good omen for her career aspiration to be a children's book illustrator.

Nikita Johnson, 15, was commended for her intricate patterns, carefully drawn in pencil.

She was looking forward to the elephant parade, and said: 'I think it's a great idea to show younger people's designs and their artwork, and if they want something to do with art in the future, it could help them.'

Deane Money, deputy direction of the creative arts and technology faculty, said: 'I think it has given them an opportunity to apply art to something, rather than it just being an abstract thing they do in lessons.'

Rebecca Downie, assistant marking manager for intu Chapelfield said: 'We're extremely excited to welcome Elephant Parade to Norwich. The parade enlivens, energises and stimulates the places it visits and offers something for everyone.

The parade, which will run for four weeks from April 7, will raise money for the Asian Elephant Foundation.

Are you raising money for a particular cause? Email martin.george@archant.co.uk