VIPs turned out in force for the launch of the most ambitious public art event ever staged in Bournemouth.

Celebrities, sponsors and business leaders from across the borough showed their support for Pride in Bournemouth at a launch party at the Royal Bath Hotel last night.

The Daily Echo-backed event aims to attract thousands more visitors to the town, as well as raise money for the Born Free Foundation and for children’s hospice Julia’s House.

Elaborately decorated lion sculptures, sponsored by local businesses and by primary schools, will be scattered across the town next summer and visitors will be encouraged to follow a special trail map to view them.

The lions will then be auctioned off, with the proceeds going to the two charities.

The launch party saw Mayor of Bournemouth Barry Goldbart join event organisers and guests for a champagne and canapés reception, live music and an entertaining presentation.

Pride in Bournemouth is the latest in a series of public art events of its kind staged across the country. Others include Go Penguins and Go Superlambananas in Liverpool, Elephant Parade in London, Superdragons in Wales and Rhinomania in Chester.

Local artists are assigned to each sculpture and work with the sponsors to create an original design.

Acclaimed actress, conservationist and author Virginia McKenna spoke at the Bournemouth launch on behalf of the Born Free Foundation and actor Martin Clunes, a patron of both charities, was also on hand to show his support.

Virginia McKenna was the star of the 1960s hit film Born Free and has spent decades campaigning on behalf of wild animals across the world.

• Any businesses wishing to sponsor a large, one-metre tall, lion for £5,000 are urged to get in touch with Charlie Langhorne on 01273 833146, 07970 974511 or e-mail charlie@wildinart Organisers are also approaching all primary schools in Bournemouth to see if they are interested in taking on a 70cm mini lion.