Coalville's iconic Mother and Child statue has returned to the town today (Monday) - in a new home.

The restored sculpture, which was a familiar sight outside Coalville Library, will be officially unveiled soon.

But North West Leicestershire District Council has already posted on social media with photos of the statue.

The council says: "We're delighted to announce that the Mother and Child statue has been installed today in its new home at the entrance to the Belvoir Centre in Coalville. 

The statue has been resited in the Belvoir Shopping Centre in Coalville

"We'll have an official unveiling in a few weeks, and will share details soon. 

"In the meantime, why not drop by and take a look at the details uncovered during the restoration process when you're next in Coalville? 

"Don't forget we also want to hear your memories and see your photos of the Mother and Child statue from over the years – please tell us HERE.

"You can also share any old photos* of the statue you might have by emailing them to us at [email protected]."

The council confirmed in January that the statue is to return to its original home in the Belvoir Shopping Centre.

The statue was moved from outside Coalville Library last year

It was moved from outside the library last September and will be cleaned and restored by Antique Bronze Ltd - the former restorers of Nelson's Column.

The District Council received £40,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to reinvigorate the statue and return her to the original bronze colouring.

The statue was originally cast in 1963 for the opening of Coalville's New Broadway Shopping Centre, and was re-sited almost 30 years later outside the library.

The council was prompted in April to quash online rumours that the original statue had been replaced by a new sculpture.

The sculpture's original plinth is also being refurbished and is being reunited with the statue for the first time in almost 40 years.