THE biggest public art event ever held in Bournemouth will come to a close this weekend with the Pride in Bournemouth auction at the Pavilion.

Hundreds of local residents and business representatives are expected to attend and bid for lion sculptures, which have been displayed around the town throughout the summer.

Dorset actor Martin Clunes will host the event, to be held at 7pm on Sunday night.

Money raised will be split between local charity Julia’s House and international organisation, the Born Free Foundation.

Pride in Bournemouth was launched last year and involved local businesses and organisations sponsoring large lion sculptures.

Local artists were then recruited to decorate them and they were displayed all over the borough, giving residents and visitors the chance to follow a trail to view them all.

Mini-sculptures were also decorated by children in primary schools across the town.

The event was organised by Wild in Art, which has held similar events across the country, including Elephant Parade in London and Go Penguins in Liverpool.

All the lions will be displayed at the Pavilion before going under the hammer.

Tickets for the auction are still available from bic.co.uk, 0844 576 3000, or in person at the BIC or Pavilion box offices. They cost £15 to attend the auction and a drinks reception, or £5 for the auction alone.