Fashion designer Jeff Banks will cut the ribbon when Debenhams' new store opens in Bath next month.

The four-storey department store will be the centrepiece of the £360 million SouthGate development.

The designer is also bringing his fashion sense to bear on the Lions of Bath public art scheme.

Banks, whose collections are sold throughout the Debenhams chain, will unveil his unique lion design at the opening of the department store on Thursday, September 2 at 10am.

After the opening ceremony, he will host a men's fashion event for his Jeff Banks London casual wear collection, being joined by his team of hair and make-up artists at 12.30pm. They will be providing free makeovers to any men attending on the day.

The four-stone lion is currently housed at his London studios awaiting its transformation.

Banks said: "I've been asked to design many different things in my years as a fashion designer, but I can say for certain I've never tackled a lion."

The lion will join around 100 others dotted around Bath in a project which goes on until early October.

Senior store manager Robert Gough said: "Luckily, our opening date means we have just enough time to participate in this wonderful event.

"And naturally I'm thrilled we've persuaded Jeff to do the honour of presenting Debenhams' lion to the city too."

Banks is very far from being a behind-the-scenes designer for Debenhams, instead appearing at a variety of public events for the department store.

In March, Banks treated Bristol City footballers Cole Skuse and Marvin Elliott to a personal consultation at the firm's store in Bristol city centre.

The Bath Debenhams is being fitted out with 200,000 items of stock ahead of the opening.

It has 85,000 sq ft of trading space over four floors with a further two floors of office and stock room beneath.

The store has created more than 200 new jobs for the city and Mr Gough has said more roles could be created once sales take off.

Meanwhile, lingerie chain La Senza has announced it will be opening a store in SouthGate. The firm said it would be opening in the city on September 29.