High Wycombe's iconic red lion is back where it belongs after a grand unveiling on St George's Day. 

The crumbling relic was removed from its portico in August last year and now after months of restoration work, is taking pride of place above the High Street once again. 

Crowds of well-wishers gathered in the town at 12.30pm to watch master carver, Colin Mantripp - who has spent months painstakingly restoring the statue at Lillyfee Woodcarving Studio in Wooburn - unveil it. 

Steve Baker MP, High Wycombe mayor Zia Ahmed, chairman of the High Wycombe Society, Jackie Kay, and a host of councillors and former mayors joined the celebrations.

The landmark, which has more than 200 years of history, was made famous for being the backdrop for Winston Churchill’s post–Second World War speech. 

More than £10,000 was raised by the people of Wycombe to fund the restoration work with money being set aside for regular maintenance checks on the lion to ensure it never returns to its neglected state.

Full story, reaction and picture gallery to follow.