FANS of Delamere Forest’s cherished Gruffalo sculpture can now celebrate his long-awaited return.

Forestry England – which looks after the forest near Northwich – removed the wood carving of the popular children’s book character with ‘terrible tusks, and terrible claws, and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws’ in November in 2021.

A statement at the time said he's 'been enjoying cuddles and photo opportunities for many years,’ but ‘as he is made of natural materials and has been outside for so long, he has now been removed’.

Now, Forestry England have announced he's returned to Delamere after a lengthy make-over and has been reinstalled, taking pride of place on one of the attraction’s woodland walking trials.

A spokesman for Forestry England said: “Look who's back!

“Be sure to drop by to say hello to the Gruffalo on your next visit. He's back at Delamere Forest and looking fabulous after his makeover.

“Although he's very partial to a selfie, please don't climb on him.”