Our fund-raising, fibre-glass cow Cycling Moo Kay II is among a bevy of bovine beauties which will go under the hammer at the prestigious Surrey Hills CowParade Gala Auction.

Artist Charles Rowbotham has spent the last fortnight feverishly working to paint Moo Kay in time for the big night – and the results are magnificent.

Not only did Charles meet the tight deadline for Hampton Court, he completed the work in time for Moo Kay to be displayed at the Giant cycle superstore in St Paul’s, London, for a few days this week ahead of the auction.

The original Cycling Moo Kay was stolen from its grazing spot on top of Surrey’s Box Hill one night in August, but Surrey Hills CowParade organisers kindly provided a replacement to ensure Cycling UK will be able to raise funds at tomorrow night’s auction.

Cycling UK member Charles, who painted the new model at his studio in Dorking, said: “It’s been great to be given the chance to work on a sister cow for the auction. The design has been changed to include an autumnal scene of Box Hill on one side, which draws inspiration from the wonderful colours of the Surrey Hills at this stunning time of year (pictured below).

“I have decided to keep the off-road view from Denbies Wine Estate on the other side of Moo Kay as I feel that composition worked really well on the original. Now I’m really looking forward to the auction as I hear we have some interest.”

About 60 brightly-coloured cows were on show across Surrey during the summer as part of the CowParade. All the udderly gorgeous creatures are now being auctioned off, with funds being split between the individual charities who sponsored them and the Surrey Hills Trust Fund.

The first auction took place at Sandown Park four weeks ago, rustling up a total of £79,800 for the individual charities. Now it’s Cycling Moo Kay’s turn as the remaining 20 members of the herd take centre stage at Hampton Court Palace.

Cycling Moo Kay was organised on behalf of Cycling UK by local cyclist Doug Clare, a member of the charity and chairman of G-Bug, the Guildford Cycling Campaign.

The auction is being run by Ewbank’s, the Premier International Antiques and Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers in Surrey and Hampshire, who are able to take on-line bids prior to the event.

Below: Cycling Moo Kay leaves the Giant cycle superstore in St Paul’s, London, after being on display earlier this week