Thai students sculpted animal statues with Braille inscriptions for blind zoo-goers.

The youngsters tried to beat each other's masterpieces using clay and carving tools at the competition organised by Khon Kaen Zoo on August 4.

Footage shows the pupils from different schools across nine provinces shaping, kneading, and hammering the clay to turn it into models of Asian elephants, Watusi cows, zebras, ostriches, and giraffes.

All winners received a certificate with a grand prize of 10,000 baht (224.55 GBP), while two runner-ups took home 1,000 baht (22.45 GBP) each.

Khon Kaen Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy said: ‘We have been doing the contest since 2018. This year is the fourth season.

‘The contestants included students and teachers from nine provinces, of Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nong Bua Lamphu, Loei, Sakon Nakhon, Kalasin, Yasothon, and Nakhon Phanom.'

The kids' sculptures were displayed at the zoo's exhibition area with descriptions in Braille for blind visitors.

Director Narongwit added: ‘The primary objective of this contest was to enhance the quality of life for blind visitors by allowing them to learn about the anatomy of wild animals.

‘Simultaneously, the contest aimed to give students a platform to showcase their abilities and creativity in crafting these statues.'

This year's contest had 32 teams, each consisting of five members or a total of 160 participants.