Bath City and Bath Rugby have both revealed the newest additions to their teams this week – and they want young

Chronicle

readers to help name them.

Our photographer was there to see City's new pig mascot enjoying its first run-out at Twerton Park, while the rugby club will be led out by a lion during the 2010-11 Aviva Premiership season.

Both mascots have historical links to the city, with the lion – the symbol of royal England for 900 years – featuring on Bath's coat of arms.

According to tradition, in 863 BC the Britons were ruled by King Bladud who, after succumbing to leprosy, was exiled and eventually took work as a swineherd.

After noticing that his healthiest pigs bathed in naturally warm mire nearby he did the same in the hopes of clearing his skin. The treatment succeeded, he was restored to his throne and he founded the City of Bath on the spot so that others could benefit as he did.

The story does not, however, mention the names of any of King Bladud's pigs so Bath City are inviting children to submit their suggestions for what the new mascot should be called.

A panel of club officials will choose the best suggestion and the winner will be invited to a special naming ceremony during the home match against Darlington on September 18.

Bath Rugby are also inviting children aged up to 14 to name their lion, with the winner receiving two pairs of tickets for the match at which the mascot is unveiled. They will also get the chance to run out with the lion.

HOW TO ENTER

Bath City: Entries must be emailed to pig@bathcityfootballclub.co.uk or posted to Bath City Pig, Twerton Park, Bath BS2 1DB by Saturday, September 4. Please include a name, date of birth and contact details. If the winning suggestion is submitted multiple times a winner will be chosen at random. The judges' decision is final.

Bath Rugby: Entries should be sent to Lion Mascot Competition, The Bath Chronicle, Westpoint, James Street West, Bath, BA1 2DA or emailed to sport@bathchron.co.uk, with Mascot Competition as the subject. The deadline is Friday, September 3 and usual Chronicle competition rules – which can be found at www.thisisbath.co.uk – apply.