WORK is set to get underway to repair a beloved statue in the centre of Droitwich, more than 80 year after it was first placed in Vines Park.

The statue of St Richard, which is positioned to look as though the saint is blessing the brine well, was first installed in 1935, but it had to be restored in 2006 to repair damage to one of the figure’s hand.

However in the intervening years the statue has been vandalised and the missing repaired finger was left broken again.

Lynn Stevens, parks officer at Wychavon District Council, said: “We’re very pleased to be able to restore the statue once again, although it is sad that this is necessary due to vandalism. We ask all park users and locals to keep a watchful eye please over the statue and call the police if they see or suspect anyone of vandalism. St. Richard is an important part of the local heritage and we hope the statue can be at its best for the St. Richards festival in May 2015 and beyond.”

Carrie Horwood from Cats Eye Carving, previously took the restoration work on in 2006, and the council has commissioned her again to repair the local statue.

The restoration is due to be carried out toward the end of March if the weather is suitable.