ARMED with her feather duster and rubber gloves, this is a cleaner with a difference – charging around Southampton to keep our rhinos in pristine condition.

With thousands flocking to the city to join the Go! Rhinos stampede, Marwell’s maintenance team are hitting the city streets to make sure the sculptures are looking their best to pose for photos.

They will be on mission for the duration of the ten-week trail trying to ensure rhino seekers do not climb on the masterpieces as it does cause minor scuffs and scrapes. Sadly five of the 36 life-sized creatures have been targeted by vandals but Marwell are hoping close monitoring will help to prevent any further attacks.

Kirstie Matheison, Go! Rhinos project leader, said: “Our wonderful artists have spent hours creating these sculptures and we want them to continue looking in tip top condition.

“We are overwhelmed with the fantastic response we’ve had to our rhinos but unfortunately we have found a few scuffs on the sculptures where people have climbed on them, which will need more attention and cost the charity money to fix.

“However, most people are taking great care of our beautiful rhinos and we are delighted with the positive response.”

It is hoped the trail will provide a huge boost for the local economy as tourists head to the city to track down the magnificent mammals on the trail through streets and parks.

Once the trail is over the sculptures will be auctioned off and the money will be split between three charities, Wessex Heartbeat’s HIGH 5 Appeal, The Rose Road Association and Marwell’s conservation projects.