The sculpture of Manannan Mac Lir prior to its theft

A statue of a Celtic sea god will be reinstated almost a year after it disappeared in mysterious circumstances from a mountain top near Limavady.

When the sculpture of Manannan Mac Lir was stolen in January a five-foot cross and a sign declaring 'You Shall Have No Other God But Me' was left in its place.

A pagan priest based in Belfast even called for the theft to be treated as a hate crime.

No one has been arrested or charged with the theft, but the investigation remains open.

The six-foot statue was created by Game Of Thrones sculptor John Sutton. He told the BBC he was "delighted" it would be going back on display.

"It takes a while to get these things right, so I'm happy that he is ready," he said.

The original was discovered by ramblers a few weeks after the theft. However, it was so badly damaged a replacement was commissioned by the former Limavady Borough Council at a cost of £10,000.

A date for the reinstallation of Manannan Mac Lir has not been finalised, but SDLP councillor Gerry Mullan, who lives near Gortmor where it will be situated, is delighted that it is coming back.

Mr Mullan said: "Gortmor viewing point is a breathtaking place, but Manannan Mac Lir has been sorely missed."

Belfast Telegraph