Schools sought to design lion cub sculptures

Local schools are being sought to design their own lion cub for the Pride of Gloucestershire, Lions at Large, art trail.

Pupils across the county will get the opportunity to decorate 100 lion cub sculptures, which will join the larger lions decorated by local artists.

Together the sculptures will form the Pride of Gloucestershire Trail, which will take place in Cheltenham and Gloucester next year.

“I’m really excited to see the lion at school and to get involved with painting it too," nine-year-old Sophie said.

A number of schools have already signed up to the 'Cub Club', which also sees them pledge to raise a minimum of £750 for charity.

They then receive a sculpture to decorate and a learning pack and will be invited to exclusive events.

Pupil Sophie added: "It makes a change from painting on paper. I can’t wait to see our school’s design out in the wild on the sculpture trail."

Schools taking part will be provided with fundraising tips and resources, and once the trail is finished the lion will be returned to the school to keep.

The trail, organised by Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity, raises money for proposed new cancer facilities helping thousands of people across the county.

The charity has partnered with Wild in Art to put on the trail, with Gloucester BID and Cheltenham BID signed up as the two presenting partners.

A number of businesses have also come forward to sponsor a large lion sculpture.