A new public arts project is already being billed a roaring success on the streets of Bath.

The last week has seen around 30 model lions being put into position – each distinctively decorated and sponsored by a city organisation.

Another 70 sculptures are expected to take up residence on the streets before the middle of June.

The Lions of Bath models have been sponsored by a host of celebrities including Olympic Gold medallist Amy Williams and Lord Bath.

Musician Jamie Cullum and his model wife Sophie Dahl have also shown their support for the project by sponsoring the NICU Lion which will raise awareness of the Royal United Hospital's Space to Grow campaign for a new premature baby unit. Cullum's father John chairs the Forever Friends Appeal, of which the campaign is part.

The project, which will see the lions in locations across Bath until October when they will be auctioned for charity, follows a similar scheme involving model pigs in 2008.

City centre manager Andrew Cooper praised the project and its contribution to Bath.

He said: "Public art adds vibrancy, colour and life to the city centre, creating a positive backdrop for visitors, residents and businesses."

Once all the lions are in place, there will be a safari trail for children to find all of the sculptures.

A guide, which has been funded by Future Bath Plus through its Public Realm and Events Panel, will be available to buy from the Tourist Information Centre and the lions project's Pride in Our City shop in Milsom Place.

Panel chairman Richard Hall said: "One hundred lions will put tens of thousands of smiles on the faces of parents as well as children. They will be an attraction and a talking point.

"They will make our public spaces more cheerful and fun and the trail will take people to places they would not otherwise see or help them see them in a different light.

"Many more people will visit the city, buying from shops, eating in restaurants and purchasing an excellent range of merchandise.

"The project will also make a contribution to a number of local charities as well as leaving a legacy."

Chris Astbury, head of marketing at Bath Tourism Plus, added: "We're really pleased to see the Lions of Bath exhibition taking to the streets.

"We're promoting the lions through our website visitbath.co.uk as yet another reason to come to the city."

Some of the lions which will be seen on the streets in the next few weeks include King of Pop, sponsored by the music store Duck Son and Pinker, which has been transformed into a lifelike version of Michael Jackson, and a World Cup-themed lion named Wayne Roarney, which has been sponsored by Bath and Country Holidays and is sited by the abbey.

Project spokeswoman Sue Yates- Price said the project had got off to a good start.

She said: "I think they are winning people's hearts. People have started to accept that it is lions this time and not pigs, and lots of people are taking pictures of them and children are going up and hugging them.

"Every one is different and we have seen no duplication. They have all been very imaginative."

To find out more, go to www.lionsofbath.com.