A LOCAL artist has been chosen in Fairford to design and paint a hare sculpture for the town following a competition to find a replacement for the iconic 'Maurice' Hare, which was destroyed in May.

Fairford residents were shocked when on May 21 a car driver deliberately damaged the Hare, which was part of the Cotswold Hare Trail and dedicated to Maurice Jones, former town crier and Fairford town councillor.

The design by artist Freya Barlow, 33, was chosen by the Webb family, who owned the original “Maurice” hare, and the Jones family.

Lechlade artist Freya, who has lived in the local area for 21 years and attended Farmor's School, said: “I wanted to submit a design as my three young daughters and I loved Maurice Hare and we were very upset to see the mindless vandalism.

"It is an honour to have had my design chosen and a wonderful opportunity to be able to showcase the beauty of the Fairford within my design.

"The artwork is based on the original popular Maurice hare design, with a few changes to his original outfit, Maurice would proudly display the beautiful buildings and features of Fairford, including the Oxpens, Post Office, Church, community centre, Palmer Hall, and The Mill, whilst being grounded by the river Coln flowing around his legs.

"I think this will delight locals and visitors alike and showcase the remarkable and unique features Fairford has to offer.”

Fairford Town Council set up a fundraising page in June to allow residents to contribute to the cost of replacing the hare "giving the Fairford community a chance to provide a unique replacement for all the community to enjoy".

The council kickstarted the campaign with £250 and the £750 target was quickly smashed with a final total reached of £1,190.

The Town Council plans to install the new “Maurice” over the summer.