A FAMILIAR face has returned to the hillside near West Bagborough thanks to the Friends of Quantock.

For years the statue of 'Jupiter with sceptre, thunderbolts and a dog by his side' stood opposite Tilbury Farm until he was unceremoniously blown over in 1994.

Since then the hillside has remained bare until members of the friends decided to reinstate the local landmark.

With help from local landowners and a donation from Edward Cavell, of Burnham, in memory of his late wife, the statue has been put back in his rightful place on the Cothelstone Estate.

His return is also bound to spark a few romantic memories among local people as the seat built into the statue's base was known to be a popular spot for courting couples.

Pictured from the left are Felicity Busby of the Friends of Quantocks and benefactor Mr Cavell with a photograph of his late wife, Heather.

Photo: Steve Guscott.