TWO statues of lions will be on the prowl in Yarnton tonight at a special auction.

The life-size bright red statues have been a popular feature at the Red Lion pub, in Cassington Road, for years.

But now the new owners, Chrissie Jones and Alastair Rosie have been given the go-ahead to change the pub’s name to the Yarnton Bell, and the lions need new homes.

The auction, featuring prizes from local businesses, is set to take place at an official launch night for the pub featuring live music from local band Dirty Earth.

Doors open at 7pm and there will be a free glass of wine or beer for the first 100 customers through the door.

Landlady Ms Jones will be hosting the auction, which will feature prizes from local businesses.

Ms Jones said: “There’s been a Red Lion pub here since the 1700s and the lions represent a bit of history.

“We’ve got the go-ahead to change the name of the pub which we’ll be doing in the next month or so.

“We wanted to auction them off in case someone wanted to buy a piece of history, but also so we could raise some money for a playground for the local community.”