Supplied by Allen Ford of Bath, the Transit is to be used to transport for the Lions of Bath, a pride of 100 individually decorated life-size lion sculptures which are being positioned in and around Bath to promote its World Heritage City status.

The sponsored lion sculptures are being decorated by artists and craftspeople to produce eye-catching artworks; Sir Peter Blake, Lord Bath and Winter Olympics gold medallist Amy Williams are among those designing their own lions.

Moving the pride around the city was a headache for event organiser Megan Witty until Allen Ford came to the rescue. 'We are thrilled that Allen Ford has loaned us the Transit,' she said. 'We really needed a large, long wheelbase vehicle to be able to carry around as many lions as we can – with 100 in the pride the logistics can be difficult. It looks really stunning in its livery and is causing great interest in Bath.'

'It's a cracking cause,' added Allen Ford's business sales executive Gary Milkins. 'Businesses all around the city have come together to support the Lions of Bath and we are happy to be doing our bit for the charity and the city.'