HOLLYWOOD star Hugh Bonneville leaped at the invitation to autograph ‘Paddington Hare’, the latest addition to Haslemere Hares charity arts project.

Former town mayor Brian Howard, who also maserminded last year’s Haslemere Hogs project, said: “A post on Facebook with a picture of the charismatic Paddington Hare’ drew the comment ‘Has Hugh signed it?’.

“I asked if anyone knew him and one of my new artists, the inspirational Zoe Oliver, immediately got on the case.

“Within a very few hours she had turned up trumps and Hugh Bonneville, who is Mr Brown in the two Paddington films, agreed to sign our Paddington if we could get him to the Millenium Hall in Liphook the next day.

“A veritable welcoming party awaited Mr Brown, comprising Zoe Oliver who had arranged it all, Toby Miller and Deborah Rushby from Paddington Hare sponsors, Henry Adams estate agents, Melanie Odell, chairman of Haslemere Museum whose Project Horizon – working with autistic children – is the sponsor’s chosen charity, and the talented Michelle Clegg, whose artistry and craftsmanship created the magnificent transformation from Bear to Hare.”

Zoe, who is a friend of a friend but was not sure Hugh even knew that, was amazed by his speedy reaction and willingness to support Haslemere Hares, which is on track to raise even more than the £35,000 made for good causes by its 2017 predecessor the Hogs.

“What a cool guy,” she said.

“He is so charming and was very keen to be involved with a charity that means Haslemere Museum can arrange special opening times for families with children who have an autism spectrum disorder.

“I messaged him and he replied in three hours to say he could do it the next day.

“It’s so fantastic he is supporting such a worthwhile project.”

Some of the most decorative hares made their debut at Monday’s Charter Fair, notably ‘Prince Hare-y’, perfectly timed for next weekend’s Royal Wedding.

Coincidentally, tomorrow (Saturday) is also the day the town’s museum hosts the 2018 Haslemere Hares Parade, from 10am until 4pm.

It will feature a full display of all the creations, complete with live TV screening of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s nuptials.

Haslemere’s Crofts Veterinary Surgery sponsored Prince Hare-y, designed by Barbara Caswell, in aid of Street Vet, a charity helping the pets belonging to homeless on the UK’s streets.

The practice displayed their hare at the fair and are inviting residents to drop-in at the surgery and sign a guest book, which they will send to the royal couple with a photo.