TWO kings of the Middlesbrough jungle have come face to face at the Dorman Museum.

Boro mascot Roary called in at the popular venue to welcome back one of its oldest residents.

Leo the Lion was one of the Dorman's launch exhibits in 1904, and has been proudly standing guard over the museum ever since. But the last 115 years have taken their toll on the fearsome feline, with damage to his face, ears, bottom and tail, and a huge split down his chest.

Thanks to funding from the Natural Sciences Collections Association, Leo headed off to Palumbo Conservation Services in Southampton, where an initial assessment revealed issues with previous repair attempts, pest problems and general wear and tear.

Restoration expert Bethany Palumbo treated him to a thorough clean, made him a new tail and new ears, repaired the damage to his face, sealed and covered the splits in his chest and bottom and re-coloured his coat.

And this week he roared back into town with a new spring in his step and a glint in his eye, to be welcomed home by fellow maned mascot Roary from Middlesbrough Football Club.