A STATUE donated to Poole by world-renowned sculptor Sir Anthony Caro has been restored to its former glory.

The artwork on Poole Quay, called Sea Music, has been under renovation thanks to a £195,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant and an Arts Council award of more than £40,000.

On May 13 the newly-conserved and repainted sculpture will be relaunched during a special event, set to be attended by artists and experts from across the world.

This event will also be marked with the display of another Caro sculpture on the terrace of Poole Museum, and the world premier of a new composition inspired by Sea Music and performed by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra's new music ensemble, Kokoro.

Borough of Poole museum and arts manager Michael Spender said: "Sea Music is a superb work of recent contemporary art of genuine global importance which, thanks to Caro's generosity, happens to live on our own quayside."

The conservation project, officially launched in November at a ceremony attended by Anthony Caro's son, Paul Caro, included repainting the sculpture its original colour.

The artwork's viewing platform has also been painted silver, as per the request of the artist before his death in 2013.

Mr Spender said: "I would like to thank the very many people in Poole for coming together to support this conservation process and participate in the arts and activity programme.

"I encourage anyone to visit the newly conserved and repainted Sea Music, with the sculpture far more distinct from the viewing platforms than before, in accordance with the artist's wishes, and the exhibitions taking place at Poole Museum, to learn more about this wonderful work."

Poole Museum will be holding an '100 views of Sea Music' exhibition, by the artist David Ward in October. David worked with members of the local photography group, Happy Snappers, on the exhibition.

The museum has also been home to artist in residence Jonathan Parsons for a month. He will be developing new works throughout the summer period inspired by Sea Music.