A NEW herd of elephants is expected in Newport Street this weekend.

Workmen this week removed the tired grey elephants that have stood in the shopping precinct since the early 1980s.

Bolton Council decided to replace the sculptures because of vandalism.

Three new models, costing £30,000, will be put up in their place this Friday and Saturday.

They will be made of Jesmonite, a more durable, weatherproof and environmentally friendly material.

The new herd will be given a colourful look, courtesy of a trio of artistic youngsters, who won a design competition.

The old grey elephants have now been put into storage.

A council spokesman said: "All three came out in one piece and are being kept somewhere safe until new homes are found."

An "elephant trail" across Bolton town centre will be launched in April to celebrate the arrival of the new herd.