A LORRY delivering an exciting project into a town was spotted as residents prepare for a new art trail to explore.

Nine octopus sculptures could be seen on the way to Harwich’s Electric Palace as the Octopus Ahoy! trail launched last Friday.

The Electric Palace was playing host to 60 student-designed sculptures prior to the start of the public art trail which began last week.

It forms part of the Harwich Project which celebrates the 400th anniversary of the voyage of the Mayflower to the US from the historic town.

The project is also being run by KAT Marketing and Tendring Council to mark 150 years since Clacton’s formation.

To commemorate both milestones, the community art event will run from June 25 until September 5.

Talented artists have produced 30 4ft-by-4ft octopus sculptures and they will be dotted throughout Essex, along with 2ft-by-2ft sculpture based on work by primary school children.

Residents and visitors can download the Octopus Ahoy! app for their smartphones and then follow the public trail hunt down the octopuses, which will be hidden in streets, parks and open spaces.

Every time you find one and GPS picks up your location - or you scan the QR code on the plinth of the sculpture - you will earn a prize.

Gifts up for grabs range from cuddly octopus keyrings to free afternoon teas.