THREE lions, sponsored by Andrews estate agents, were unveiled in Bath this week by film director Ken Loach, who lives in the city.

Revealed in time for the start of the football World Cup in South Africa, the trio were given their first public view at Twerton Park, the home of Bath City where Mr Loach is a director. He painted the club's emblem along with his signature on one of the life-sized sculptures, called Lionheart, whose body is covered in heart frames designed by Keynsham artist, Justina Benson.

Bathonians decorated the hearts by painting in "something they love" while the lion was in Bath city centre last weekend.

The two other lions are Abstract Africa, featuring African patterns and landscapes by local artist Anna Robson, and Street Lion decorated by Beryl Desmond using road names from Bath.

The three lions will be displayed around the city as part of the Lions of Bath art project.

Chief executive of Keynsham-based Andrews, Michael Robson, said: "The Lions of Bath project is simply fantastic. We were really keen that one of our lions, Lionheart, be designed by local people."

More details can be found at www.lionsofbath.com.