​The pride of lions which has brightened up Bath’s streets over the summer has been safely gathered in.

More than 100 sculptures have been taken off pavements, street corners and rooftops around the city ahead of two events at which they will be auctioned off for charity.

They are now being kept at the old Bath Press site in Lower Bristol Road, where the colourful beasts sponsored by local firms will be getting a wash and brush-up.

They will be there - courtesy of developer St James’s Investments which wants to build a new Tesco supermarket at the former printworks - until the auctions on October 15 and 17.

Project organiser Megan Witty said: “The Bath Press site is ideal for our needs – it’s a secure space and allows plenty of room for the artists to work on their creations ahead of the auctions. We’re very grateful to St James’s Investments for donating the space, as every penny we can save means more money for the charities we are working to support.”

Profits from the auctions will be donated to three charities: Off the Record, which supports children in need and particularly young carers aged five to 18; the Quartet Community Foundation, which distributes funds to a wide range of local community projects; and The Mayor of Bath's Relief Fund, which supports people in real need in the city.

Quentin Webster of St James’s Investments added: “We’re delighted to be able to lend our support to such an innovative and worthwhile project. The site has a long and varied history dating back to 1889 but we suspect these are the most unusual tenants ever to have taken residence.”

For more information about the auctions, visit www.lionsofbath.com