MOST of us might run a mile when confronted by a giant rat but in the East Yorkshire port city of Hull, they’re getting ready for a  rodent invasion next summer – and the critters are all of 6ft tall.

Not that the city is any stranger to larger than life animals, having seen off a plethora of puffins, moths and toads in recent years. But, and here’s the difference, the newcomers are rock and roll rats.

A Mischief Of Rats will be a public art trail featuring 50 giant artist-decorated rat sculptures, supporting The Daisy Appeal, which helps those living with cancer, heart disease and dementia.

It’s inspired by the city’s late rock guitar hero Mick Ronson, best known for his work in David Bowie’s Spiders from Mars, who sadly died in 1993 after a battle with cancer at the age of just 46.

Among his early bands was a mid to late-1960s hometown Hull outfit named The Rats, who called it a day shortly before Ronson was recruited for Bowie’s iconic band.

Ronson also currently features in Reveal Hull’s free Diamond Life audio tour, taking in 60 years of the city’s music heritage in 60 minutes, which you can learn more about here.

Next year’s art trail, from May to the end of August, follows Puffins Galore, A Moth for Amy and Larkin Toads, which together have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for local charities.

“This is the most radical animal sculpture trail yet,” says project co-director Rick Welton. “A Mischief of Rats will see up to 50 giant rat sculptures finding homes across East Yorkshire and Hull.

“Locations will be selected to attract visitors to less well-known places as well as encouraging them to spend time in towns and villages, resorts and attractions across the region.

“The Grand Charity Auction at the end of the trail will raise much-needed funds to support the vital work of Castle Hill Hospital-based charity, The Daisy Appeal.”

Organisers hope that the auction of the sculptures, along with profits from any merchandise sold, could raise up to £250,000. For more details about the charity’s work, click here.

To learn how to submit designs, and the timetable of events, see the official Mischief of Rats website. For information about visiting, and staying in, Hull, head over to aptly named Visit Hull.