A HISTORIC teapot which has been hanging above shops in a city centre for more than 160 years has been restored to its former glory.

The three-foot high teapot has been a familiar sight in the streets of Durham since at lease the mid-19th century.

It has returned to its spot above Newcastle Building Society, in Saddler Street, following a restoration.

Though previously black, it has been gilded after conservator Wendy Somerville-Woodiwis discovered an original layer of gold.

Roger Cornwell, former chair of the City of Durham Trust, said: “We’ve had lots of questions from local people about where the teapot has gone and what’s been happening to it, and we think they’ll be excited to see it back where it belongs.

“The conservator has gone well above and beyond the call of duty in the restoration work she’s done, and we hope lots of people come out to admire what her work has created for their city.”

The earliest known photograph of the teapot in from 1857, when it was hanging outside the shop belonging to CF White.

It is also known to have hung outside Gilesgate Post Office.

Stuart Miller, customer director at Newcastle Building Society, said: “Reactions from our customers and the local community to the return of the teapot have been simply wonderful.

“It’s a quirky landmark with a proud history and it’s clearly very fondly regarded. We’re extremely proud to see it back on display above our new Durham City branch.”