Families are being urged to back a fun exhibition heading to Southend this summer by becoming a “volunthare”.

The Echo-backed Hares About Town, a spectacular public art event in partnership with Wild in Art, will weave its way across our town from July for ten weeks.

A total of 30 hare sculptures, each individually designed by an artist and sponsored by a business, will form a free, family-friendly trail of discovery for members of the community and daytrippers to enjoy.

Organisers of the event, which will help to raise much-needed funds for Havens Hospices after what has been a testing year due to the coronavirus pandemic, are looking for volunthares to engage with trail-goers.

Volunthares are set to be stationed on Southend seafront as well as along the high street and in Priory Park.

Charlie Langhorne hopes the community will show their support.

The co-founder and managing director of Wild in Art said: “Our events are designed to bring the enjoyment of public art to everyone and they have a proven track record of encouraging residents and visitors to get involved.

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“Hares About Town will give everyone a reason to smile and we are looking forward to seeing everyone out on the streets once again, walking, running and cycling the trail and discovering all the wonderfully painted Hares.”

The trail will run from July 1 to September 12, so Havens are looking for volunteers to give a commitment of four hours each week.

Volunthares, which will work in groups to look after different sections of the trail and must be aged 18 or over, will be required every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Those who devote their time to keeping a watchful eye on the trail will receive a T-shirt, welcome bag, certificate and full training, while expenses will also be covered.

Louise Gloyne, Havens’ head of philanthropy, grants and partnerships, cannot wait for the Hares About Town exhibition to get underway.

She said: “We are looking for 80 volunthares to take part in this summer’s sculpture trail. Volunthares would be ambassadors not only for the trail, but the hospice and Southend as a whole.”

To offer your services as a volunthare, visit havenshospices.org.uk/volunteering/contact-our-volunteer-team.