PRIDE in Bournemouth project organisers paid a visit to Julia’s House hospice to present a lion for the children to decorate in preparation for next summer’s public art event.

Similar mini lions will be adopted by primary school pupils across the town before being used to animate the streets and public spaces.

Later the lions will be auctioned to raise funds for the Corfe Mullen hospice and wildlife charity Born Free.

The Daily Echo backed event is being organised by Wild in Art.

Director Charlie Langhorne said: “We hope to raise significant funds to support the vital work of Julia’s House.”

Mike Bartlett, development director for the hospice, said: “The Pride of Lions will capture the imagination of the people of Bournemouth. Children have already started painting their lion. It is great that they can contribute to this piece of sensory art in their own way.”

Want to know more about this project? Go to bournemouthecho.co.uk/pride