LIVERPOOL’S latest public art extravaganza succeeded in raising more than £7,000 at a charity auction for the Alder Hey Imagine appeal.

Over the past few months, the 3ft “Mankey Monkey” sculptures – each fostered by a local business – have been appearing at locations throughout Merseyside.

Around 50 of the primates were auctioned off at the special event held at Sefton Park’s Palm House, hosted by T4’s Matt Littler and Darren Jeffries and attended by around 150 people.

Artist team David and Eirin Hallangen-Lake designed all 101 cheeky statues, and built them with a small team of talented artists in full public view.

More than 100 local businesses supported the event, many of which attended the auction to bid to retain their fostered monkey.

Eirin said: “The whole night summed up Mankey Monkey perfectly – loads of fun, open to everyone, businesses and people from all walks of life coming together to support a great cause, and of course Monkeys all over the place.

“We’d like to thank all of the people who have supported us. Liverpool should be very proud of itself.”

The project is now close to meeting its target donation of £10,000.

Christine Done, from the Alder Hey Imagine appeal, said: “It’s been fantastic to be the beneficiary of this wonderful project.”

The remaining Mankey Monkeys that were not entered in to the auction can still be purchased. For more information, please visit www.mankeymonkey.com.