A DROVE of hares have hopped their way into 20 shop windows in Chipping Sodbury.

The tiny hare statues, which measure 9 inches tall, were launched in businesses around Chipping Sodbury on Wednesday, May 3.

They join four large 5ft hares from the Cotswold Hare Trail 2017 to form a treasure hunt competition around the town. 

Organised by Sodbury Chamber of Commerce, the challenge involves tracking down each hare and writing down its name on a special map available from either the Tourist Information Centre or Waitrose.

Completed maps can then be entered into a draw for a chance to win a signed copy of Mr Hare's Big Secret book by Hannah Dale.

Joanne Cox, Chairman of the Sodbury Chamber of Commerce, said: "We are delighted to be continuing our 'Summer Search' again this year. 

"We have already had lots of families in town completing the trail and we are looking forward to welcoming lots people to town over the summer.

"There is free parking in both Waitrose and Wickwar road car park for people visiting the hare trail."

Kerryanne Hollis, a former Chipping Sodbury resident who now lives in Gloucester, was out discovering the hares with her son Theo, 4, this week.

She said: “We love Chipping Sodbury, so the hare trail was a nice excuse to get out and explore the town.

“We’ve had a lovely time.”

The Chipping Sodbury Hare Trail will run until September 10, 2017.

Spoiler alert! Businesses showcasing hares in their windows include: The Moda House, The Hamptons Deli, Cadeaux & Co, Waitrose, Koala Kreations, The Sodbury Florist, Hobbs House Bakery, Swagger, the Town Hall, Bevan Evemy, Sooo Chic, Andrew Webb & Dolmans, Amigos, The Health Shop, Toll House, JMI, Royal Oak, Sodbury Jewellers, Card Boutique, Milburys, Baptist Church, and the Library.