A ‘PAWSOME’ Haslemere Hounds parade this weekend will be the first opportunity to admire more than 100 canine marvels created for the town’s community arts project in aid of good causes.

Hot on the heels of Haslemere Hogs and Haslemere Hounds, which raised more than £85,000 for charity, celebrities, schools and businesses have been busy since March customising their very own fibreglass ‘pets’ in a massive burst of creativity and team building.

One school which got involved was St Ives School, whose young scientists put down their test tubes and Bunsen burners and got into the spirit of the occasion.

The colourful pack is out on parade in a free exhibition at Haslemere Museum from 10am-4pm tomorrow (May 18) and from 11am-3pm on Sunday (May 19).

Hogs, hares and now hounds mastermind Brian Howard, the former town mayor, said: “With the continued support of our sponsors, including Haslemere Town Council, we are delighted that 2019 will see Haslemere Hounds abounding throughout the area.”

Celebrities have been swift to show their support for the charity project.

Supermodel, racing driver and TV presenter Jodie Kidd, who owns The Half Moon gastro pub in Kirdford, has signed Ifold artist Mandy McKenna’s creation.

Award-winning actress and comedienne Dame Julie Walters has signed another of Mandy’s creations to be auctioned in aid of Cancer Research.

Adding a bit of stardust, inspirational ‘bionic girl’ Tilly Lockey, who has turned disability into possibility nationally, has signed up to paint a Haslemere Hound.

Former world darts champion Scott ‘Scotty Dog’ Mitchell has also created a hound, destined to take pride of place outside Haslemere Comrades Club in the High Street.

Tom Stimpson, who painted a Haslemere Hog for Heroes in 2017, has created ‘Alfie Bone’ in aid of the charity Supporting Wounded Veterans that helps medically-discharged veterans back into meaningful occupation.

With the support of the charity, Tom has gone on to forge a successful career as a builder and decorator as well as becoming an established artist. He asked another veteran John Boe, helped by the charity, and ended up naming his hound after John’s uncle Alfie – adding a suitable canine twist.

2019 is the Year of the Dog and hopes are high that Haslemere Hounds could be the biggest fundraiser yet.

* A parade preview event with hot dogs and entertainment is being held today from 7pm. Tickets, priced £15, are available by emailing [email protected].