Fans of the Bury St Edmunds wolf art trail – which tens of thousands of people have enjoyed – will have the chance to bid for ownership of their favourite work.

The art trail around the town launched in July features 26 pieces of wolf art, including 20 life-size wolf models, created by 18 local artists.

The attraction, organised by the Ourburystedmunds Business Improvement District (BID) group, celebrates the legend of St Edmund’s wolf, which is said to have guarded King Edmund’s head after he was captured and killed by the Danes.

An auction of some of the artworks, which will raise money for various charities, will be held on St Edmund’s Day – November 20 – with sealed bids invited from prospective purchasers unable to attend in person. The remaining wolves being sold will then be auctioned on December 5.

Mark Cordell, chief executive of Ourburystedmunds, which worked on the trail with partners who make up the ‘Town Team’ group, estimated 20-30,000 had enjoyed the attraction so far.

He said: “The wolf trail has been a huge success and the people of Bury St Edmunds have really taken a number of the wolves to their hearts. Now we have a chance to raise substantial sums for charities and allow people to own a unique piece of artwork at the same time.

“I’m delighted that we have been given the opportunity to hold the auction at the St Edmund’s Day Celebratory Dinner hosted by the Mayor of St Edmundsbury, councillor Patrick Chung – there could not be a more fitting occasion to celebrate the success of the wolf trail and remember the connection with St Edmund.”

The gala evening will be held at the Athenaeum and the auction will be conducted by Ed Crichton of Lacy Scott and Knight, who will also host the second sale of the remaining artworks at their saleroom on December 5.

A form for both auctions detailing how to bid can be found at www.ourburystedmunds.com/wolftrail or at tourist information points.

Tickets for the St Edmund’s Day Celebratory Dinner, which cost £40 and include a reception drink and three-course meal, must be purchased by Monday, November 9, from the mayor’s office at St Edmundsbury Borough Council in Western Way, Bury.