The artists who will be designing the 70 five-foot Gromit sculptures that will be taking to the streets of Bristol this summer as part of Gromit Unleashed have been selected. With more famous names set to be announced, joining the likes of Raymond Briggs and Peter Lord, yesterday saw much celebration on Twitter as artists were informed that their designs had been chosen.

“WOOOP! Just got best news EVER… I’m one of the artists to be customising a 5ft Gromit as part of @GromitUnleashed!!” tweeted Gavin Strange, director of Boikzmoind, the short film about fixed gear bicycles in Bristol, and a senior designer at Aardman by day.

More excited capital letters came from Sarah Matthews, also an Aardman designer: “AHHH! I’ve only gone & been selected to design a blooming great big Gromit for @GromitUnleashed! Get ready for a 5 foot Gromit Clifton.”

Freelance Bristol illustrator Carys Tait will be designing not one, but two Gromits, while the sentiment of many was said by Monster Riot, an illustrator duo from Buckinghamshire: “Can’t wait to start painting it! Such a privilege and great cause.”