Giant Mr Doodle sculptures appear across West End

Five giant sculptures by artist Mr Doodle have appeared across London's West End as part of a new free public art trail.

The artist, whose real name is Sam Cox, is known around the world for transforming everything from sketchbooks to entire buildings with his distinctive doodle style.

The 2m (6.5ft) high installations have been placed in Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and St James's Market, where they will remain until 30 August.

Mr Doodle said he hoped visitors would enjoy "spotting the sculptures, exploring the streets and adding a bit of doodle magic to their summer day out".

Each sculpture has been covered in the artist's signature doodles and inspired by the surroundings, celebrating everything from the West End's theatres and cinemas to its galleries, restaurants and markets.

Mr Doodle said London was "full of great stuff" and that the sculptures celebrated the city's culture.

The artist has built an international following with his playful black-and-white drawings, often filled with bright pops of colour, which have appeared on everything from canvases to entire buildings.

The sculptures form part of Mr Doodle's Doodle Discovery, a free trail organised by Art of London during the school summer holidays.

The group, an arts initiative created by Heart of London Business Alliance, said it wanted to create "something free, fun and easy" for families and visitors to enjoy over the summer.

Visitors can scan QR codes at each sculpture to access a digital map of the trail and enter a prize draw, including tickets to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and a free meal for four.

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