HOPES are high that new town charity project, Haslemere Hares, could raise even more for good causes than the £35,000 netted by Haslemere Hogs last year.

Already, so many sponsors have signed up to decorate their very own fibreglass hares that the number on offer has had to be increased to 65 for the 3ft version and 10 for the “larger than life” models.

The community project is masterminded by former town mayor Brian Howard, whose Haslemere Hogs were such a hit.

It got off to a flying start on Monday, when Surrey Lord Lieutenant Michael More-Molyneux officially launched the new initiative at a reception at Lythe Hill Hotel.

The hotel has given the project a big boost as an unique platium sponsor, paying £2,000 to sponsor the website and a live online auction, as well as decorating its “Lythe Hill” hares.

Mr More-Molyneux said: “There were many who had reservations about the chances of delievring the same outcome two years running.

“However, they underestimated the commitment of organisers Brian Howard and his daughter Melissa King.

“Predictably, they lost nearly a third of last year’s sponsors for Haslemere Hogs.

“But for everyone they lost, they found two to replace them. As a consequence, this year’s follow up, Haslemere Hares, instead of having 60 will have 75 impressive pieces of community art.”

Schools, community groups, businesses and individuals that have signed up as sponsors are already busy decorating their hares, or commissioning an arist to do it for them.

The finished artworks will go on display together later this year, followed by a ‘March of the Hares’ auction of any models not purchased by their sponsors.

The auction proceeds will go to the mayor’s nominated charities and to many other good causes.

Mr Howard said: “This is only possible because of our sponsors. We are very grateful to Haslemere Festival chairman Hamish Donaldson and Haslemere Town Council. They have led the way, which is so important.”

Guests were also urged to support Lythe Hill Hotel’s planning application, not yet determined by Waverley Borough Council, to be a five-star destination.

The hotel group’s regional manager Greg Shaw said: “We can only be a five-star hotel if our plans go forward.”