A LANTERN has been returned to a memorial fountain in East Cowes, remembering one of the town's oldest families — restoring the light to the Esplanade.

The Shedden Memorial Fountain has had its light restored by a team from Island Roads.

The lamp and fountain is now found on East Cowes Esplanade just beneath the Spring Hill Estate where the Shedden family lived for many generations.

Part of the esplanade was also built by the family to aid unemployment in the town during the 1930s.

Plans have been in place to return the fountain to its former glory — so members of the public will be able to drink or fill their bottles up from the water supplied through the fountain.

Ward Councillor for East Cowes, Cllr Karl Love, said: "It is an important part of East Cowes Heritage.

"It is great news this is being restored and it can once again be enjoyed for many years to come.

"Thank you to Island Roads for their work."

A spokesperson from Island Roads said: “We are very pleased that after discussion with the local community and a period of temporary arrangements, the Shedden Fountain is now illuminated once more.

“The feature is an important part of local heritage and it is rewarding to be part of a project that shines a little light on local history.”