WHAT is believed to be the UK's first Pride Rainbow Path is nearing completion in a Taunton town centre park.

The 62-metre path running from Bridge Street into Goodland Gardens beside the River Tone, will be officially launched at 1pm on Monday (June 28).

Somerset West and Taunton Council sports, parks and leisure portfolio holder Cllr Derek Perry has approved the feature, which supporters say will be a testament to the town's inclusivity.

Cllr Perry said: "It is expected, due to the specification of the paint and the volume of footfall, that this footpath will mean that maintenance will not be required for a minimum of 15 years creating a permanent feature in the park.

"The rainbow path will also include the 'progress' colours which will add a chevron along the hoist that features black, brown, light blue, pink, and white stripes to bring those communities - (marginalised people) - to the forefront.

"The arrow points to the right to show forward movement, while being along the left edge shows that progress is being made."

The Rainbow Path is the brainchild of Jenny Keogh and Liz Hutchin, of Go Create.

In a statement, they said: "The rainbow footpath will signal to both visitors and the community that Taunton is making considerable steps towards embracing equality, diversity and inclusion and visibly trying to overcome any inequalities.

"We would like to take these practical steps - by creating these bright and colourful installations – towards making Taunton an accepting, inclusive place to be and that everyone is welcome regardless of how they might identify within the community.

"We believe that there are no other rainbow footpaths in the UK. The examples we found are in Australia and Iceland. This could put Taunton on the ‘inclusivity’ map."

They added that sitting the path in Goodland Gardens was a "safe location" that would offer people a "photo opportunity" and guide them towards shops and businesses.

The cost of creating the Rainbow Path will come from Taunton’s Emergency Town Centre Recovery Fund.

READ MORE: Taunton park to be home to the UK's first Rainbow Path.