Painted lions go on display in World Cup trail
BBCA trail of hand-painted lions representing each country taking part in the 2026 World Cup has been unveiled in a town centre.
Lions painted by school children in Taunton, Somerset, have gone on display in 48 shop windows across the town as part of a trail organised by Taunton Town Football Club.
The lions will be auctioned in September to raise money for the Barnaby Webber Foundation, the charity created in memory of the university student from the town who was killed in the Nottingham attacks in 2023.
"For his name and foundation to be linked to the lion trail and Taunton Football Club is very touching," said Emma Webber, Barnaby's mum.
The trail has been set up in partnership with Taunton Town Council and local arts collective, Go Create.
"We've recruited school children to paint the lions and also local businesses are going to display the lions in their shop windows," said Peter Headington, commercial director of Taunton Town FC.
"We just hope that all the school children enjoy following it."
The World Cup will be played across Mexico, USA and Canada from 11 June, with the first match kicking off at 20:00 BST.
Money raised from the auction will go towards the Barnaby Webber Foundation, which supports young people who are facing life challenges, and provides grassroots cricket clubs with essential equipment.
"Barney was a proud Taunton boy and his tragic loss has not only hit his family and friends hard, but also the wider community," Emma said.
"Monies raised will be going to great causes, many of them local, that support young people facing life challenges and also in his passion of bringing grass roots cricket to as many children as possible," she added.
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