Work to renovate an iconic feature of Weymouth's seafront has been completed.

The Grade I listed King's statue on The Esplanade has undergone reparation and re-decoration to make sure it's looking its best ahead of the summer season.

The scaffolding which had been protecting the statue is due to come down soon, when the statue will be back in view.

Sarah Cairns, Dorset Council’s assistant head of assets and infrastructure, said: "Over 700 hours were spent restoring the structure to its former glory and it’s great to see the King’s statue looking its best in time for the Summer season."

Council contractors repaired and painted the unicorn, the collar, mane and tail have all been gold leafed, the lion has had up to three layers of gold leaf applied and the king himself has been completely re-decorated with new gold leaf applied to areas previously gold finished.

The plinth on the King's statue has also been re-pointed where it was required. The lettering to the main lettering panel has been repainted.

Weymouth town clerk, Jane Biscombe said: "Thank you to Dorset Council for the time spent in restoring the statue, which both residents and visitors will now get to enjoy.

"Weymouth beach and the Esplanade are rich in Georgian history, and the King’s statue reminds us all that Weymouth held the title of King George III’s seaside resort of choice for many years, and it remains as popular today as it was with royalty in Georgian times."

The statue of George III has presided over Weymouth seafront for more than 200 years. The three-plinth statue is topped by King George in his robes of state, flanked on each side by a unicorn and a golden lion.

Last year, the council's contractors won awards for the work that they carried out on the jubilee clock in Weymouth. This work included cleaning and re-decorating the dials, dial numerals and the intricate working parts of the clock, as well as sprucing up the areas of gold paint.