REASURE hunters will be combing some of the Cotswold's best-loved gardens in a search akin to Masquerade of the 1970s.

Thirty years ago this month the nation went in search of a Golden Hare hidden by Stroud-based artist and author Kit Williams.

Clues to the precise location of the gold and bejewelled hare were given in Kit's book Masquerade.

Today sees the launch of a new treasure trail which, just like in 1979, looks set to capture the imagination of the public and set thousands on a hunt for a specially-commissioned silver charm bracelet worth £700.

Clues needed to locate the treasure have been laid in four of the Cotswolds finest gardens – Painswick Rococo Garden, Abbey House Garden, Batsford Arboretum and Mill Dene Garden.

Those wanting to take part in the Cotswold Garden Charm Offensive Treasure Trail have until the end of September this year to visit the gardens and work out the answer to a single unique clue in each garden.

The bracelet displays four silver charms, each one representing one of the four gardens.

The symbol for Painswick Rococo Garden is a silver snowdrop.

"The Rococo Garden is delighted to be participating in this treasure trail with three diverse and interesting gardens," said Paul Moir at the Rococo Gardens.