A REPLICA of the iconic hare mosaic in Corinium Museum will be presented to civic leaders in Itzehoe next week to mark the 25th anniversary of Cirencester's link with the German town.

Members of Cirencester Twinning Association and Cirencester Town Council fly to the town near Hamburg for a four-day anniversary trip next Thursday.

CTA chairman Richard Kent, who has visited Itzehoe 27 times in 25 years, commissioned the three-foot wide replica mosaic because he felt it would be a fitting present for the town.

Debbie Stirling and Anya Burzec, two of nine artists who run Number Nine in Silver Street, a cooperative of local artists who sell handmade art, created the copy of the Roman original.

Debbie, who teaches art at Cirencester College, told the Standard she was really proud of the work.

"It took of us many hours because all the pieces had to be hand cut," she said. "It's great that a little bit of history has been brought up to date and it's very exciting that it's going off to Itzehoe. It was a really nice project to do."

Mr Kent said he thought the mosaic was superb: "It's terrific," he said. "I am sure the people of Itzehoe will be very happy."

To find out more about the trip to Itzehoe next week call Richard Kent on 01285 885300.