THE 13th century effigy of Robert de Wakering at Newland Church has been restored to its former state.

Stonemasons at Gloucester Cathedral have meticulously repaired the statue after the head was stolen from the ‘Cathedral of the Forest’ in 2012.

Robert de Wakering was appointed as the first Rector of All Saints Church in Newland in 1216.

Earlier this year the head was returned to its rightful owners after it was listed on eBay and came to the attention of the police.

After hearing of the news, Gloucester Cathedral’s master mason, Pascal Mychalysin, thought it would give a fantastic opportunity to pilot a collaborative partnership between the Diocese of Gloucester and Chapter of Gloucester Cathedral, to offer the possibility of conservation training to its apprentice masons.

The repairs gave James Bayliss and Paul Synan, both currently studying on the Cathedrals’ workshop fellowship scheme, the chance to learn about the conservation of ancient memorials.

James and Paul along with senior mason, Weislaw Szot visited All Saints Church to assess how to go about re-attaching the head (and feet, which were also found to be unattached) back to the body.

The repair work involved lining up head and feet for re-attachment, fixing and colour matching the mortar.

The effigy was unveiled to the congregation in the presence of the Bishop of Gloucester, The Right Reverend Rachel Treweek, who was visiting the church that day.