​Schoolchildren from across Bath are invited to be in with a chance of seeing their artwork exhibited on the city’s streets.

The organisers of this summer’s Lions of Bath public art event, which is following on from the success of the King Bladud’s Pigs in 2008, are looking for youngsters with painting and drawing talent.

Pupils from all the primary and secondary schools in the area can submit design ideas for decorating a lion and two winners will each receive their own 6ft sculpture to paint for the exhibition.

They will also receive a donation of paint from art material supplier Winsor and Newton and a year’s free family entry to Longleat Safari Park.

Megan Witty, from the art project, said it was important for young people to get involved.

She said: “The Lions of Bath project brings the whole community together. 

“We have local businesses sponsoring the sculptures and local artists decorating them and the proceeds from the lion auction in October will benefit local charities so we felt it was very important for local schoolchildren to feel part of the event. 

“We look forward to seeing all their fabulous design ideas.”

The exhibition will be launched in May and will see 100 individually decorated lions displayed on the streets of Bath.

The Design a Lion competition for the schoolchildren has been arranged in conjunction with Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Divisional director for tourism, leisure and culture for B&NES David Lawrence said: “We have sponsored the two lion sculptures because we are keen to promote the creative talents of schoolchildren throughout the region. 

“The recent King Bladud’s Pigs public art event wonderfully caught the imagination of schools and families in Bath and the surrounding area and we are sure that Lions of Bath 2010 will be just as successful.”

At the end of the summer all the lions will be auctioned off, with proceeds going to a number of charities including Off The Record, which supports young carers, the Quartet Community Foundation and the Mayor’s Relief Fund for Bath.

Organisers have already had a good response from both potential lion sponsors and artists looking to take part in the event.

Anyone interested in getting involved should get in touch through the website www.lionsofbath.com as soon as possible.