THE gleaming Black Cats Lynx helicopter was welcomed back to its original home at the former RNAS Portland (HMS Osprey) yesterday afternoon after a restoration programme.

The Lynx completed its long life as one of the Black Cats Lynx Display Team and will resume its guard at Dean and Reddyhoff’s Portland Marina, on loan from RNAS Yeovilton, until March, 2017.

Senior aircraft engineer for the Lynx, Lieutenant Commander Ben Perkins-Brown said: “The Lynx helicopter has been on loan from Yeovilton since the Olympics and the weather had basically began to wear it down.

"A Yeovilton squadron took it away and restored it to its former gleaming condition and returned it to its home here in Portland.”

The Westland Lynx (XZ250) that stands as gate guardian to Portland Marina completed its service life after 32 years, accumulating a remarkable 7,667 flying hours.

Dean and Reddyhoff hosted yesterday's ceremony which was attended by the mayors of Weymouth and Portland, Commander Louis Wilson-Chalon, as well as various members of the Lynx Helicopter Force from RNAS Yeovilton, 1st Portland Scouts and representatives from Portland.

Richard Reddyhoff, of Dean and Reddyhoff Marinas, said: “I am delighted with the return of the marina’s gate guardian which has already caused considerable interest with visitors.

"The helicopter was much missed when she returned to RNAS Yeovilton for some tender loving care."

He stressed the importance of the site’s association with Portland’s historical past and expressed thanks to the Royal Navy with hopes these links will be maintained in the future.

Commander Wilson-Chalon, who has had the experience of flying the XZ250, said: “I remember flying round Portland Harbour and across Dorset.

"I flew it from 1996 to 1998 and it was a great experience.

“I assisted in moving the squadron over to Yeovilton after developments meant it was no longer a necessity for it to be by the sea, so it’s great to be back on Portland."

to return the Lynx Helicopter as Gate Guardian.”

The event was well attended by parents of First Portland Scouts and families of the members of the Lynx Helicopter Force.

A display was held at the marina before a reception at the Harbour Lights Cafe and a celebratory cake cutting.

Dean and Reddyhoff continue to celebrate the strong links which the Royal Navy has with Portland.

A Mark 8 torpedo is on display at the marina alongside a stone memorial of the men who lost their lives in 1948 when their liberty boat capsized in Portland Harbour.

Public relations officer at RNAS Yeovilton, Tracey Clempson said: “The squadron has done a fantastic job of restoring the Lynx helicopter, it has proved so successful since the Olympics at the marina.”