A RESIDENT in Northleach who has become fond of a hare sculpture called Onesi has started a JustGiving page in the hope that residents will donate enough money to buy the Cotswold hare.

Onesiphorus, is one of the five-foot-high hare sculpture on the Cotswold Large Hare Trail, and has been a resident in the village for the whole summer. 

As the hare project comes to an end, the sculptures are destined to be auctioned off on Friday, October 6.

But Chris Hancock, Northleach resident and Friends of the Cotswolds Trustee, is hoping that enough money can be raised so that Onesi will be able to stay in the village.

Onesi has been living at the Old Prison and was named after prison reformer Sir George Onesiphorus Paul.

Writing on his JustGiving page, Chris said: “Our hare tells the story of prison reform that started in Northleach but became the blueprint for the country as a whole.”

Any money raised above the £2,500 target or not spent at the auction will be donated to the Friends of the Cotswolds towards restoration projects at the Old Prison.

To support the appeal, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/friendsofthecotswolds