VISITORS are hopping into an art store in Tadley to get a glimpse of a giant hare before it bounces off to Norfolk.

The hare has taken up residence in Doodles Craft and Gift Shop, in Franklin Avenue, Tadley, where he is being given a colourful new look by owner and artist Katy Stevens.

Standing at nearly two metres tall, the hare is part of a collection which will be part of Norwich’s GoGoHare trail.

Following the success of her Sitting with Jane BookBench project, Katy has kept her eye on other potential trails and was selected as one of 50 artists to be part of the GoGoHare project.

Katy told The Gazette: “The organisers were overwhelmed with designs being submitted so I am very privileged to have been selected.

“He (the hare) has been in store now since January and his causing a bit of a stir.

“There are some people who don’t even notice him, but then there are those who have to double take and it has become a real conversation starter.”

Katy’s Beyond the Birdcage BookBench, which was placed in Festival Square, was seen as many people’s favourite bench.

It was this recognition which has spurred the artist on to take a more self-interested approach to her work.

She added: “I have always supported other artists and for 10 years I have been promoting their work in the store. So, my work almost became bottom of the list.

“However, following the success of the Sitting with Jane project and all the incredible feedback I received it really gave me a confidence boost in my work and getting my name out there a bit more.”

In November last year, Doodles was broken into with cash and handmade jewellery being stolen from the store.

However, thanks to the community support, Katy has been galvanised and the introduction of the hare has only added to the sense of community spirit.

She added: “There is a real sense of loyalty around the area and people seem to love what we do in the shop. So when something like that happens there was lots of great support.

“At the same time, whenever I hold workshops or like now have something of a showpiece in the store people want to come and see it and see the development of a project.

The hare will be on display at Doodles until Wednesday before hopping off to Norwich.

To find out more about the workshops hosted at Doodles go to doodlesonline.co.uk and for more information on the art trail visit gogohares.co.uk.