TWO designs by Grayshott artist and village stalwart Phil Bates have been chosen to lead the herd in the Surrey Hills Cow Parade – the world’s biggest public art event whichwill see the landscape, towns and villages decorated with life-size brightly coloured chrome cows this summer.

Phil has submitted “A Puzzled Cow” and “90th Birthday Wishes”, inspired by the Queen’s birthday, as designs which companies or schools can chose to have painted up on their model cows.

While sponsor organisations or educational establishments can opt to decorate their own life-size cow or “mini moo” for public arts event, they can also select one of the inventive designs already developed.

Phil has joined Surrey-based artists Nina Nott, Dominique Salm, Colette Clegg, Alison G Saunders, Adam Green, Becci Kenning, and Jill Flower have already lent their support by submitting a selection of inspirational designs that are available to sponsors on a first come, first served basis.

“We’ve been so impressed by the designs that have been suggested so far as they are so imaginative and creative,” said: Ali Clarke, Surrey Hills Arts’ programme manager.

“They are wonderfully diverse in both subject matter and style from the figurative, decorative and contemporary.

“Sponsors will be spoilt for choice in selecting a design for their cows.”

Ali added: “The feedback to the initial set of 30 designs featured on our website and social media pages has been fantastic.

“We would love to hear from any other local artists who would like to get involved as it would be great to have as many taking part as possible.”

Organisers hope to encourage schoolchildren, celebrities, sportsmen, businesses and charities to take part in the mammoth fundraising event for good causes that will promote tourism and business.

The idea of the Cow Parade is that individuals, companies and schools will sponsor a life-size cow and either decorate it themselves, or bring in an artist such as Phil to do it.

The cows, which can be standing, sitting or grazing, will be displayed around the county before being herded to the inaugural Surrey Hills Food, Drink and Music Festival, in early September, where they will be auctioned off.

Cow owners can choose their own charity and the auction proceeds will be split between that and The Surrey Hills Trust Fund, established with the Community Foundation for Surrey, to conserve and protect the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), leaving a legacy for generations to come.

The fund supports local community projects and enterprise schemes that benefit and conserve the Surrey Hills.

Those judged to be extra special will be auctioned at a gala dinner held at a unique London location later in the year.

In a novel move, while the models are being decorated and moved around, their location can be tracked via a specially-created app.

Waverley Mayor Mike Band said: “The Surrey Hills AONB covers a quarter of the county, a high proportion of which falls within Waverley borough.

“I have lived in the Surrey Hills for over 40 years and I am very keen to protect this special area for future generations to enjoy.

“I see Cow Parade Surrey Hills as a great opportunity to raise awareness of this special landscape and raise funds for one of my chosen mayoral charities, the Surrey Hills Trust Fund.”

Cow Parade leader Tim Metson said: “Cow Parade is the world’s largest public art event and it provides a unique opportunity to raise awareness of the Surrey Hills and in particular farming.

“My family have been farming at Coverwood Farm, in Ewhurst, since the 1950s, and we have seen many changes.

“The high land and labour prices, together with the depression in agricultural incomes, create a massive pressure to give up farming or diversify which does not benefit the Surrey Hills. Cow Parade coming to the Surrey Hills allows us to shine a light on what an important role farmers play as custodians of the landscape.”

Cow Parade was born in Switzerland in 1998 and has been staged in more than 80 cities and towns worldwide.

Over the years 3,000 cows have been decorated by more than 5,000 artists. Cow Parade New York had 450 cows and was seen worldwide by 45million people. The highest-grossing cow was created by designer John Rocha for Cow Parade Dublin in 2003 – studded with thousands of pieces of Waterford Crystal it was auctioned for $146,000.

For more information on how to take part call the Surrey Hills Cow Parade team on (01483) 661150 or visit www.cowparadesurreyhills.com