A well-known statue of Christ will be returning to one of Britain’s most famous cathedrals this year.

The missing “Welcoming Christ” statue had left some visitors disappointed, but Canterbury Cathedral has confirmed a return in the spring, Kent Live reports.

The bronze figure was moved in January 2020 as part of a £1million restoration of Christ Church Gate, a Grade-I listed building initially built in the 16th Century. 

However, the removal did not come easily; the statue – which usually sits above the walkway - had to be lifted out by a crane.

A set date for the return of the statue, by German artist Ringwald, has not been announced. 

In 2014, Canterbury Cathedral secured nearly £12million in funding to complete a range of upgrades.   

The plans - which were meant to take seven years – should make the buildings more accessible to those that visit the famous English landmark. 

The work at Cathedral gate saw angels and heraldic shields restored, as well as the gruelling process of cleaning the original façade and replacing vital stonework. 

Last year locals celebrated the deconstruction of scaffolding that had covered Canterbury Cathedral for eight years.