They were spread far and wide across Cumbria's towns, lakes and rural beauty spots, with people flocking by the thousand to see them.

But you no longer need to travel to the far corners of the county to catch a glimpse of this huge herd of lifesize Herdwick sheep and lambs - as they've been brought under one roof for the first time ever.

The colourful collection of more than 100 sheep were decorated by local artists and formed one of the county's most unique tourist attractions when a trail designed to take them all in was started in March.

They've now been brought back together for a special exhibition at Rhedged, near Penrith, before they're auctioned off and split up for good.

The auction, being handled by Carlisle-based H&H Group, will take place on October 8 but the sheep models will only be on show until Wednesday (SEPT28).

It will give people, including potential buyers, one final chance to see the collection.

The models made up the Go Herdwick Public Art Trail. The idea of the project was to raise money for the Lake District Calvert Trust.

The cash is to go towards the development of their historic tithe barn in Keswick into a specialist rehabilitation centre for those with acquired brain injury.

Justin Farnan, business manager for the Calvert Trust, said: “We have been overwhelmed by both the public support and also the support from key partners such as H&H.

"Now the sheep have been brought together for their final display, it is all about the auction, and we are delighted to be working with seasoned professionals taking these unique sheep on their final journey.”

Claire Logan-Stephens, head of visitor engagement at Rheged, said: "We are all really excited to have the collection here.

"It looks fantastic as the Theatre by the Lake have done a great job in using the scenery from the A Shepherd's Life production to make it look brilliant.

"Plus it's for a brilliant cause and since it opened yesterday (THU) it's been very busy."

The sheep will go under the hammer at Low Wood Bay Hotel in Windermere.

Tickets for the auction cost £75 and include a souvenir catalogue, reception drink and three course meal.

Brian Richardson, chief executive of the H&H Group, explains why he felt it was important to support this initiative.

"The Calvert Trust is a wonderful charity that has been working in the Lake District for over 40 years now," he said.

"Go Herdwick has been an absolutely spectacular initiative, and one which we are we are very pleased to be involved with.

"The auction will without a doubt be one of the most spectacular sheep sales that anyone, anywhere has ever seen and I am very much looking forward to it."

* Anyone wanting more information or to register for online or in-person bidding can go to www.harrisonandhetherington.co.uk/general/go-herdwick/.