IT is hoped Malmesbury will see a boost in tourism, as it attempts to bring itself under the Cotswolds banner.

The popular Cotswold Hare Trail, formerly known as the Cirencester Hare Trail, has branched out for the first time this year to include towns such as Malmesbury and Witney.

More than 80 large hare sculptures, ranging from three foot to five foot, will be popping up around the Cotswolds, providing visitors with a unique way to discover the region.

The event’s organiser estimated the trail brought more than 30,000 visitors to Cirencester in 2014.

Councillor Fran Vandelli, chair of community and town promotions committee, says she considers Malmesbury to be “Cotswolds extra”.

“The trail has worked successfully in Cirencester and already has a good reputation,” she said.

“We’re hoping that the success the trail has had when it was smaller will grow and it will take visitors around the businesses and give younger tourists something to do.

“I’m not sure it’s fair to say we could ever be considered part of Cotswolds as we’re not on the map.

“But, as a town, we have everything the Cotswold towns have, plus amazing history. I consider us to be Cotswolds extra.

“So we deserve all the respect and recognition to be part of such a beautiful and well-preserved area.”

Florence Beetlestone, director of the Cotswold Hare Trail, said the trail will bring Malmesbury into the Cotswold “sphere” and hopes this year’s historical brief for decorating the hares will suit the town.

“People tend to go more to the north Cotswolds and forget that the south have fantastic towns with fantastic history,” she said.

“Malmesbury has incredible history and this year we’re doing a historical theme.

“The hares were so successful in Cirencester and people were interested in the surrounding towns.”

Simon Haggarty, director of the Old Bell in Malmesbury, said he was proud to sponsor of the five-foot hares.

 “I think it’s a good way to promote Malmesbury and tie it into the Cotswolds,” he said.

“It will be good for bringing in visitors and children will want to follow the trail.”

The Old Bell hare has been decorated by artist Phillip Kingsbury in the style of King Athelstan, the first king of England, who is buried in Malmesbury Abbey.

Phillip said it was a “real privilege” to be asked to decorate the hare, which he hopes will be “in keeping” with the spirit of Malmesbury.

Sue Steel, a mosaic artist from Malmesbury, has done drawn inspiration from the town’s landscape when designing the council’s hare.

The trail opens officially on March 25.

The town council are hoping to release a map of where the hares are going to be in the coming weeks.