A HUGELY popular Cirencester festival will be hopping out of town for good tomorrow night, as more than 50 colourful hare statues go under the hammer for charity.

The Cirencester March Hare Festival 2014 has seen the town decorated with a drove of uniquely-decorated hare models, ranging from five foot tall, to a more life-size height.

Since March these loveable hares have been hugged, climbed on, photographed and admired by both visitors to the town and residents.

But tomorrow, at a sell-out Gala Auction, the hares will be saying goodbye to their home and sold to excited fans all over the world.

All money raised from the event will go towards a local project run by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

The Gala Auction takes place tomorrow (Friday) at Bingham Hall in Cirencester. Tickets disappeared within weeks of going on sale but anyone interested can still bid on their favourite hare without attending the event.

Email cirenharefest@gmail.com for more.