Coalville's newly restored Mother and Child statue has been described as the return of the 'warm heart' of the town.

The iconic Coalville statue was officially unveiled in its new location at the entrance to Belvoir Shopping Centre on Saturday.

The Mother and Child statue, a key part of the town's heritage, has undergone a thorough renovation by specialist restorer, Antique Bronze Ltd.

Lucy Branch, director of Antique Bronze Ltd, whose company restored the statue

 The work to restore and relocate the much-loved statue was funded by the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Speeches at Saturday's unveiling were given by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) chairman, Councillor Kenny Horn, as well as Lucy Branch, director of Antique Bronze Ltd, and Dr Ceri Thomas, son of the statue's sculptor Robert Thomas - the 'child' depicted when the statue was first created.

Its new location is just a short distance from its original position in the middle of the Belvoir Shopping Centre, where it stood following its commissioning in 1963 until the 1980s, when it was moved to outside Coalville Library.

The statue has also been reunited with its original plinth which was not used when the statue was last moved in the 1980s, and had been in storage for over 40 years.

Dignitaries and specially invited guests celebrate the unveiling of the statue

Famously, the statue was rescued from a rubbish skip 40 years ago - and although there is a similar version in Cardiff, the Coalville one is 'the original'.

Cllr Richard Blunt, Leader NWLDC, said: "The Mother and Child statue was originally selected in the 1960s because she represented the 'warm heart of Coalville'. 

"I'm therefore delighted to see her return to her new permanent home right at the heart of the town.

"The painstaking restoration has brought back many of the statue's fine details which had been slowly lost to corrosion and the elements over the last six decades. 

"It's wonderful to see the statue back where it belongs, and in such magnificent condition, reunited with the original plinth.

"Returning the statue to the town is the latest step in our programme of improvements to secure Coalville's future as a modern and thriving town that celebrates its fascinating history and rich heritage."

North West Leicestershire MP, Amanda Hack, attended the unveiling and told Coalville Nub News: "She's back in her pride of place, right in the heart of the community - exactly where she deserves to be. 

"A statue of this good quality, of this symbolism, she deserves to be seen. The front face of the statue is just as important as what she's carrying in her bag. It's so important.

"That personal experience is different for everybody. But for me, she's just outstanding.

"Lucy, who's restored her, has done an amazing job. What's nice about it is the real history, having female statues is quite unusual - and to be installed initially in 1963, she would have been one of very few women actually present in Leicestershire. And that has real history and cultural significance. Coalville was at the forefront and we've got to be really proud of that."

On behalf of Gylo, the owners of the Belvoir Shopping Centre, Nick Harcus said: "Given her original installation in our shopping centre over 60 years ago, we are truly delighted to welcome the return of this magnificent and iconic piece of public art. 

Dr Ceri Thomas was the 'child' depicted on the statue when it was first created

"The statue personifies the spirit and heritage of Coalville and we know that she is loved by the local community. She has been beautifully restored and we are proud that she is back where she belongs in the heart of the town.

"We are pleased to be able to give her the prominent location she rightly deserves, so that shoppers and visitors to the town will be able to admire her. We are very grateful to everyone that has made this possible."