A PORTRAIT of one of Wyre Forest's most famous sons has been returned to its rightful home, thanks to creative thinking by council chiefs.

A painting of former Prime Minister and Bewdley resident, Stanley Baldwin, has been copied and hung at the headquarters of Worcestershire County Council in Worcester.

The original was taken from County Hall to hang in the House of Commons and, after being unable to get it back, the council's chairman commissioned a Droitwich artist to produce the next best thing.

The chairman, Councillor Edward Sheldon, said: "The original was probably done in the 1920s. It is important because he was the Member of Parliament for Bewdley and Prime Minister on three occasions, so I think it is only appropriate that there should be a portrait hanging in the county building."

The painting was unveiled on Friday and was welcomed by the politician's great granddaughter, Worcestershire resident, Bea Grant.

It was paid for out of the county council chairman's allowance and is believed to have cost around £4,000.