The Mayor of Salisbury’s solid gold chain of office has been returned to its former glory.

It has been completely restored by W Carter and Son, the city’s oldest jewellers.

The lockdown gave Salisbury City Council the opportunity to refurbish the chain of office as the Mayor John Walsh normally wears it virtually everyday while performing his duties.

Councillor Walsh said: “I have always believed the city’s historic regalia should be worn with pride.

“It’s a symbol of continuity, local identity and civic pride and after this wonderful restoration I have even more reason to be proud. I’m also pleased that it is a Salisbury business that carried out such a great job.”

Sebastian Salt, the director of W Carter and Son, who re-presented the chain to the council after supervising the work, explained the meticulous craftsmanship required. He said: “The restoration involved disassembling the entire chain and medallion, repairing and re-making necessary sections and a complete re-enamel to insure the highest standards were met.”

“W Carter and Son has a long association of looking after the city’s silver and ceremonial items and we are delighted with the result, which speaks for itself.”

The mayor’s chain, made of 18 carat gold, cost £250 in 1893 and had a medallion donated by Lady Jo Benson when she was mayor in 1974. The mayor’s chain is complemented by the mayoress’s/consort’s and deputy mayor’s/mayoress’s chains and badge of office which pre-dates the mayor’s chain.