PICKING out the right stripes was the aim of the game when sponsors of this year’s Zany Zebra trail gathered in Southampton for a much anticipated design showcase.

Artwork that will adorn the herd of zebras that will be hitting the streets of Southampton this summer were showcased for the first time.

The Marwell Wildlife Zany Zebra trail has attracted a record number of sponsors who have all signed up to support the family-friendly art extravaganza.

Following in the sizeable footsteps of the Go!Rhinos trail in 2013, this year’s event will see a stampede of zebras dotting around Southampton City Centre for visitors to follow.

A trail will also be staged at Marwell Zoo, made up of miniature versions of the full scale models.

Businesses and organisations which have pledged to sponsor a life-sized sculpture gathered at the Grand Harbour hotel to see the array of designs submitted from artists across the country.

Representatives from each of the companies and organisations had the difficult task of picking which design would adorn their sculpture.

Stacey Tucker, from the Bluestar bus company, said: “It is quite a responsibility but we want to go for something really eye-catching.”

Nick Farthing, from the Three Rivers Rail Partnership, said: "There are some really fantastic designs here tonight.”

The gathered sponsors, which ranged from international brands including Cunard to local firms like Pickwell Farm, were given advice from project organiser Kirstie Mathieson.

She took them through the most successful designs of the Go!Rhinos trail which gained the most amount of public attention and engagement.

Kirstie said: “The artists’ designs are absolutely fantastic and we can’t wait to see them on the streets of Southampton. Our sponsors have chosen a diverse range of styles and characters and we’re sure the public will fall in love with them!”

It was then left to guests to view the designs on show and pick which one they wanted to see on their zebra.

The trail will start on July 16.