MINI hare models will be dotted all across Cirencester next week as this year's second annual Hare Festival is officially launched.

Now in its second year, Cirencester March Hare Festival launches on May 25 with an all-new hare passport trail. Last year's popular festival saw 50 large hare models, placed in various locations for people to find. This year the trail is similar but the hares are more life-size, rather than five foot tall.

Those taking part in the trail will be able to spot 30 new small hares, each decorated in a unique style, at various points around Cirencester. They can then mark the hares off on their special passports. All completed passports handed in to Bingham House will be entered into a prize draw to win their own undecorated small white hare.

The trail will run from May 25 until September 14 and has been sponsored by local firms and people who will get to keep the little hare models after the event ends later this year.

Passports can be picked up from Bingham House and the Cirencester Visitor Information Centre Towards the end of June a further 20 small hare models will be released across town to form a second trail. The challenge for anyone to spot all 50 hares and to complete the two trails.

Festival director Florence Beetlestone said: "I am over the moon with the new designs and excited to see them all in place now. Sponsors have been brilliant and getting to keep them at the end is a nice reward for all their support."

This year's festival is promoted by the Cirencester Community Development Trust. Artists and sponsors who would like to get involved in the festival can contact cirenharefest@gmail.com for more.