The reason behind the two large slabs located on Winchester high street has been confirmed.

Last week, two mysterious, fenced off ‘plinths’ appeared on Winchester high street, one near the Buttercross and another by the Westgate.

The meaning behind the new ‘plinths’ was unknown and sparked up debate on social media.

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Today, (Monday June 13) The Chronicle received confirmation that the plinths are in place for the Hares of Hampshire trail.

Hampshire Chronicle: The plinth at the Westgate

A spokeswoman from the charity behind the trail, the Murray Parish Trust, said: "Yes, I can confirm that the plinths are related to the Hares of Hampshire art trail which we'll be launching this Thursday."

Thirty six-foot hares will be installed around Winchester and Southampton as part of the trail.

The hares are due to be placed in various streets, parks and public spaces, ahead of the launch, on Tuesday night.

Each hare has been designed and painted by an individual artist, many of which from Hampshire.

Approximately 170 people entered the Hampshire Hares competition, with only 30 being chosen by the Associated British Port to be displayed.

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The public art event hosted by The Murray Parish Trust and Wild in Art will be on show for 10 weeks.

The exhibition will come to a close on Thursday, August 25, before a final farewell event in September where the hares will be auctioned off to raise money for The Murray Parish Trust.

The charity is hoping to raise money for new scanning equipment for the paediatric intensive care unit at Southampton’s Children's Hospital.

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