В Хай-Уикоме отреставрировали знаменитую статую льва, над которой работал резчик по дереву пять дней

One of High Wycombe's most recognisable landmarks has finally been restored, bringing an end to years of deterioration and delighting residents across the town. Woodcarver Colin Mantripp spent five days working on the iconic Red Lion statue between August 19 and August 23, putting in 12-hour shifts to complete the extensive repairs. The restoration was funded by the Clare Foundation. The work included giving the lion new legs, new reproductive organs and a new section of its tail, helping to return the famous landmark to its former glory. Residents frequently stopped to speak to Mr Mantripp while he carried out the repairs high above the High Street, with many expressing their excitement at seeing the much-loved statue restored. Speaking when work began, Mr Mantripp said the public reaction demonstrated just how important the lion remains to High Wycombe. "The number of people who stopped while I've been up there looking at it over the last year, several times to see what could be done, has been incredible," he said. "People stop and say, 'I'll be so pleased when it's restored'. It's a symbol of High Wycombe." The craftsman has a long-standing connection to the landmark. His grandfather, Frank Hudson, carved the current lion in 1954, replacing an earlier version that had stood above the former Red Lion Hotel. Mr Mantripp himself previously repaired the lion's tail in 1998 and helped restore it in 2017. The statue is one of the town's best-known symbols and has watched over the High Street for generations. Historians believe a red lion stood outside the former coaching inn from at least the early 19th century, while famous political figures including Benjamin Disraeli and Sir Winston Churchill delivered speeches from the portico beneath it. The current lion was carved from Quebec yellow pine and is said to have been constructed from around 100 individual pieces of wood. The landmark has become synonymous with High Wycombe and remains a popular attraction for both residents and visitors. Additionally, ahead of Wycombe Wanderers’ first league home match against Plymouth Argyle on August 22, the statue temporarily sported a Chairboys scarf, attracting further attention as restoration work continued. Mr Mantripp has previously spoken about the importance of preserving historic features that help define the town's identity. "It means an awful lot to the majority of people in High Wycombe, and visitors too," he said. Now, after five days of painstaking work, the lion is once again standing proudly above the High Street, ensuring one of High Wycombe's most treasured symbols can continue watching over the town for years to come.