Four 5ft hare statues have been painted by Gloucestershire College students for the annual Cotswold Hare Trail.

The trail places around 100 of the statues around towns and cities in the Cotwolds, all hand-painted by local artists and members of the community, and each sponsored by local businesses. For the first time this year, the trail will be extended as far as Stratford-upon-Avon and Bath.

The learners’ creations include “Julius Caes’Hare” (pictured), representing the history of the Romans in the area, as well as “Flora”, whose design is inspired by the flowers and plants of the Cotswolds.

“It’s been a great chance for their work to be included alongside established local artists and to get their work seen by the public,” said Robbie Chapman, curriculum leader for art and design at the college.

The trail will run from May until September this year. The statues will then be auctioned off to raise money for the Cotswolds Conservation Board, who help preserve the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.