ARMED with tusks weighing 100lbs each is a giant Tusker elephant waiting to be admired at a rather unexpected location.

Anyone with an appreciation of the animal can see the lifesize - albeit painted - version at the Mercedes-Benz of Poole showroom.

The massive painting, by award-winning Dorset artist Jonathan Truss, took a month to complete and was unveiled at a special gathering on Wednesday aimed to raise funds for anti-poaching charities.

The title of the painting, Tusker's Last Stand, unfortunately proved to be just the case as the subject of Mr Truss's work was poached while the artist completed his painting at the showroom.

The number of these giants, found in their natural habitats, is being decimated by man, Mr Truss said, and he believes they may become extinct within our lifetime.

Martin White, showroom dealer principal, said: "There are 31 of these elephants left in the wild.

"The one he painted was poached last year so it has quite a lot of meaning. He'd been to a number of areas where he could produce such a piece of work and it was by chance he was able to find this particular one.

"He has been working in the showroom morning and night for a month.

"The money raised will be through a silent auction which closes on December 19.

"It has been great because our customers have seen this grow over the last month in his cordoned off area."

Mr Truss's piece started out as a sketch. Then, on a French linen canvas that was 15ftx8ft - believed to possibly be one of the largest canvases in the world - it was developed as an oil painting.

It is also believed to be the first lifesize elephant work of art.

Mr White added: "It's the biggest lifesize Tusker produced. But it looks like a photograph. It has been very, very special watching over time.

"It is here until December 19. Those who want to come and see it are more than welcome to come and have a look."

It is hoped the painting will fetch somewhere between £80,000-£200,000 in the auction.