Everybody knows that pigs might fly, they have even been known to go for a swim on occasion, but few realised they could walk on water.

Apart, this is, from Polly Powell, director of Tycroes-based inflatables firm Race Arches UK.

So, when the organisers of the world’s largest triathlon contacted Polly and asked whether she could dream up an eye-catching inflatable to accompany athletes on their swim along the River Thames, she knew exactly what to do.

Polly and her team came up with a six-metre by five-metre bright red piggybank – and their creation stole the show at the prestigious AJ Bell London Triathlon on August 8 and 9.

The giant pig – named Mr Stocky Pigglesworth – by fans in a social media competition organised by race sponsors AJ Bell, took pride of place on the water at the Excel Centre

“Our objective was to create something WOW to float on the water at The Excel,” said Polly, “and I think we did just that.

“When the organisers first got in touch we had to come up with an idea and a giant piggybank seemed the perfect inflatable for a race sponsored by an investment firm.

“I was delighted with what we were able to design and create.

“People must have thought they were dreaming when they saw a six-foot piggybank floating down the Thames.

“The Race Arches UK mission is to make every race more awesome, and we did just that at the AJ Bell London Triathlon this year.”

Creating a giant floating pig was just another day at the office for Polly and her team. The firm began life creating inflatable star and finish lines for races, but has spread its wings to encompass giant inflatables of all descriptions.

“Over the years we have created giant inflatable ducks, a Fireman Sam, a Transformer, a huge pair of Wellington boots and even an inflatable Spiderman,” she said

“No challenge is too much for us.

“We help clients achieve that money-can’t-buy buzz and atmosphere that sets the event apart from the rest.”

Polly was particularly proud to work with the AJ Bell London Triathlon thanks to its outstanding fundraising for charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support.

“We were absolutely delighted to be asked to be part of the event,” she said.

“They had record numbers of entrants this year, so to be part of that was really magical for us.”

The AJ Bell London Triathlon is renowned as the world’s largest triathlon, hosting 13,000 triathletes and watched by more than 30,000 spectators each year.