As Southampton awoke yesterday morning the first of the rhinos were emerging in city streets and parks as they took their positions on the Go! Rhinos trail.

From the iconic Bargate monument, to the historic Tudor House and the city Cenotaph, each has a new neighbour for the next ten weeks as part of the public art extravaganza.

And it’s proved to be a mammoth mission to get them all ready for Saturday when the trail goes live.

Even the military were drafted in to help move the 20,160 kilos of rhino, with Williams Shipping providing the vehicles to ship the magnificent sculptures around the city.

A total of 144 bolts are going to be used to install the rhinos on to their plinths and secure them to their spots, and 30 litres of varnish was required to ensure that each and every one of the 36 large rhinos and 61 mini rhinos are waterproof.

And by tomorrow it will have taken nine trips by three different trucks to drive the sculptures to their locations.

It promises to give Southampton its “wow” factor by creating a unique day out for families and boosting the local economy.

When the trail ends, the sculptures will be auctioned off, with the proceeds being split between Marwell’s rhino conservation work, the Rose Road Association and Wessex Heartbeat’s HIGH 5 Appeal.