YOUNG carers from across Dorset are making the community arts project, Pride in Bournemouth, all aflutter with their amazing butterfly adorned lion.

‘Kaleidoscope’ is the latest lion sculpture to be decorated, and will join the pride once it has been covered from head to toe in a swarm of colourful butterflies.

Local artist, Caroline Parrott is working with the Young Carer’s Project, a group of children from the age of seven who have the responsibility of caring for a member of the family, to bring the lion sculpture to life through art.

A swarm of butterflies will be created using metal, which will then be painted and placed on the lion. Caroline Parrott, brainchild behind the amazing design, has worked on a series of arts projects with wildlife organisations and community groups in the past year, to produce colourful swarms of metal butterflies to adorn public spaces in Dorset.

Caroline said: “Kaleidoscope lion incorporates many aspects of the Pride in Bournemouth - design that thinks outside of the box, working within a community, being inspired by our surroundings and a lion that has a wonderful story behind it that is being brought to life with love and a tender touch. The result will be many happy smiles, children that can say 'I did that one!' and a wonderful lion for us all to enjoy and raise money for two great charities at the end of the day too!”

The young carers will help Caroline to produce the amazingly delicate butterflies to add to Kaleidoscope’s coat, which has been prepared by project partners Bump! Smart Repairs in Poole. Work on making the swarm of butterflies will start in April at Walford Mill Crafts in Wimborne, where a master class will be given to young carers on how to make the metal sculptures.

The project is an exciting way for the children to take a break from their responsibilities and enjoy the opportunity of being creative. ‘Kaleidoscope’ will then join the pride when they go on display on the streets of Bournemouth from June 25th this year.