A HARE that pays tribute to Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s railway works in Swindon is to join one of the 80 5ft hares to be displayed around the Costswolds from next month.

Arkells Brewery revealed the hare in its tweed waistcoat which will stand proudly outside the Bull Hotel in Fairford.

The hare is designed and painted by Arkell’s resident sign writer Sarah Bromley, 27, for the Costswold Hare Trail which launches on March 25.

Sarah said: “I’ve really enjoyed researching our history before starting the project, it’s certainly different from my day-job of hand-painting all Arkell’s Brewery’s pub signs. I wanted to celebrate the brewery’s beginnings way back in the mid 19th century, and then bring it up to date by highlighting key dates over the last 170 years.”

Railway tracks are painted around the hare, with key dates noted: From 1840 when the first tracks were laid in Swindon; 1843 when the railway works opened and Arkell’s Brewery began brewing beer at Kingsdown to quench the thirst of railway workers toiling in the engine sheds, to the 1960s when the final steam locomotives were built in Swindon.

But it’s not all about the railways; it’s about the beers too.

The Arkell’s hare celebrates the brewery’s craft beer. Down the hare’s waistcoat Sarah has painted buttons of hops, a 3Bs tie (in celebration of one of Arkell’s regular beers) and there is a barrel of beer in front of him to make sure he never goes thirsty.

Brewery managing director, George Arkell, who lives close to Fairford, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be supporting this year’s hare festival which started by bringing colour and interest to Cirencester, and which we are now proud to be taking further afield to Fairford as part of the Cotswold Trail.

Festival Director, Florence Beetlestone expressed her delight at the Arkell’s involvement. “Arkells is synonomous with the Cotswolds so their support is very fitting”

For more information about the Trail www.cirencestermarchharefestival.org.uk.