FAMOUS actress and Cotswold resident Emma Samms proudly unveiled the newest addition to the Cirencester Hare Festival earlier today (Friday).

The Dynasty actress pulled the covers off the latest hare model, called Charlie, which will be placed in the entrance to King’s Head Hotel when it opens its doors this summer.

Emma designed and created the five foot hare model herself and said it took a total of 60 hours to complete.

“I wanted to make him bold and stand out,” said Emma. He’s different to all the other hares which is good. He has to be classy as possible seeing as he is going to end up living at the King’s Head.”

Charlie has been a work in progress at Emma’s home for around two months and the actress admitted she was going to miss him.

“At least there will be more space in the kitchen now though,” she said. “I’ll be coming back to the King’s Head to visit him and have some cocktails soon.”

The Cirencester Hare Festival 2014 has seen the arrival of up to 50 uniquely decorated five-foot model hares.

Each hare has been sponsored by a different business or individual in the area and in late September the models will be going under the hammer.

All proceeds raised through the auction will go towards Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust to enable them to create a wild walkway along the River Churn.

“The hare festival is a marvellous, fantastic idea,” said Emma. “There hasn’t been a time when I’ve driven through Cirencester where I haven’t seen children draped over one of the hares.”

Festival organiser Florence Beetlestone said she thought Charlie, named for the original sign above the King’s Head which pictured King Charles, was splendid.

“We are delighted Emma is supporting us,” said Florence. “I love the whiskers on Charlie. He’ll be such an attraction for the King’s Head and Cirencester.”

Visit cirencesterharefestival.org.uk for more.