Several persons entitled may join in one (1) suit on such bond, or one (1) of them may file a bill in equity in behalf of all such, who may, upon execution of a bond for costs, by petition assert their rights in the proceeding; provided, that action shall be brought or claims so filed within six (6) months following the completion of such public work, or of the furnishing of such labor or materials.
T.C.A. § 12-4-206