THE finale of CowParade Surrey took place last month in the impressive location of Hampton Court Palace.

The magical setting, steeped in history provided a fitting end for the top 20 moos who raised more than £130,000 on the night.

CowParade, the world’s largest public art event, saw more than 60 full-size, fibreglass cows uniquely decorated by artists and placed around Surrey during the summer for people to admire and find.

The idea behind the event is that cows were sponsored by businesses, decorated by artists and auctioned off to raise money for charity.

CowParade leader Tim Metson said: “I’m delighted with the success of CowParade Surrey. This project has captured the imaginations of everyone and has been so well supported. My thanks go to the sponsors, charities and artists who all worked so well together and of course those who successfully bid and took home our cows.”

The evening began at 6.30pm where guests had the opportunity to see the cows grazing in Fountain Court before making their way up the grand Queen’s staircase and into the oak-panelled Cartoon Gallery for drinks.

The Great Hall was the perfect venue for the main event and guests were treated to a three-course meal before the auction began.

Surrey Hills food and drink featured throughout the evening with highlights being High Clandon, sparkling wine served as an aperitif, followed by the meal which included beef from Coverwood Farm in Ewhurst.

Twenty bovine beauties were auctioned off by Ewbank’s, Surrey and Hampshire’s premier auctioneers and valuers, who took online bids prior to and during the event.

‘Frontier’, painted by acclaimed artist Alexander Creswell proved the most popular cow, selling for £14,000. This stunning heifer was also a favourite with the public getting plenty of attention when she was grazing on Newlands Corner over the summer.

‘Daisy’, the creation of the Godfather of British Pop Art Sir Peter Blake, was snapped up for £13,000. Other moos in demand included ‘Sunny Meadow’, painted by artist Nicky Chubb, and sponsored by Waitrose, and ‘CowPatina’ painted by Godalming-based Social Enterprise, Changing Perceptions which both went for £10,000.

Money raised from the auctions will be distributed between 52 charities and the Surrey Hills Trust Fund. The fund in partnership with the Community Foundation for Surrey helps to safeguard and protect the Surrey Hills for future generations.

The Community Foundation for Surrey is an independent charitable trust established to inspire local giving for local needs.

It works with donors who want to give something back to their communities and voluntary groups providing vital services for people and disadvantaged individuals.

Wendy Varcoe, executive director of the Community Foundation for Surrey, said: “The Surrey Hills Trust Fund is an exciting local initiative enabling local residents to donate now to protect and conserve the stunning natural landscape and help local communities to access and enjoy the Surrey Hills for generations to come.”