The well-known Hovis loaf money box has been restored and put back in its rightful place at the top of Shaftesbury’s iconic Gold Hill.

The collection box, which was built nearly 40 years ago, has been fully restored over the last year.

It was originally built to raise money for the restoration of Gold Hill but some of the money raised now will also be used for charitable causes around the town.

Speaking at the unveiling of the restored loaf last Saturday 15 September, Anne Giberson, chairman of the Shaftesbury and Dorset Tourism Association, said: ‘It gives me great pleasure today to see the Hovis Loaf built nearly 40 years ago back in its rightful place on Gold Hill.

‘Gold Hill became famous from the Hovis advert of Ridley Scott in 1973. It led to tourists visiting the town to see the cobbled street.’

The money box was officially unveiled by Shaftesbury mayor Piers Brown.