KNUTSFORD’S iconic Green Man is back on his feet thanks to the support of the public, businesses and sculptor Philip Bews.

The three-metre tall wooden sculpture was created for Knutsford Heritage Centre in Knutsford in 1992 by Philip, and sits near the entrance to the building.

It is made of oak and bronze, and is frequently photographed by centre visitors. However the weather has taken its toll on the sculpture, and one of its feet had rotted away.

The centre launched a public appeal to help raise money for repairs, which was boosted by support from The Friends of Knutsford Heritage Centre and donations from local podiatrists.

Philip has now returned to repair the Green Man by sculpting a new foot and part of a leg from oak.

Centre manager Val Bryant said: “We are delighted the Green Man’s foot has now been fixed thanks to support from The Friends of Knutsford Heritage Centre, who paid for half the cost, with the remainder being raised through our Fix-My-Foot quiz sheets and donations from local podiatrists and the public.

“Over 25 years ago Philip, a sculptor of national and international public commissions, visited the centre and designed the Green Man sculpture commemorating the figure of legend and Knutsford May Day

“A quarter of a century later the Green Man was in need of remedial work, with his foot and leg needing something more than a pedicure.

“The vagaries of Cheshire’s season had rotted one foot and part of the leg, so Phil again visited Knutsford and performed a neat surgical operation.

“The foot and part of the leg were removed and a new piece of green oak carefully cut at an angle and smoothly joined to the remaining part of the old leg.

“Leaves were then cut from a sheet of copper and carefully attached to the join and the foot. These were then coated with a chemical which ensured the new shiny copper turned green within a day to match the existing leaves on Green Man’s chest.”

The Green Man motif can be found in many cultures and as far back as pagan times. It is mainly interpreted as a symbol of rebirth, representing new growth each spring and is often linked with May Day.

Each year Jack-in-the-Green can be seen near the front of Knutsford’s Royal May Day procession. People may also be able to spot the Green Man stitched onto the Millennium tapestry.