A historic sundial in Oakham has been brought back to life.

The sundial on the corner of High Street and Market Place, which was barely legible because of years of weathering, has been given a new coat of paint.

Oakham mayor Adam Lowe gave a history of the sundial saying it had been installed by Charles Matkin in 1874 above a stationers, booksellers and printers, that he ran with his wife Harriet. For nearly 30 years, he was a knight of the Oakham branch of the Primrose League, an organisation dedicated to the spreading of Conservative values across the country.

The sundial was installed by Charles Matkin in 1874 (LDRS).

"The building has now become the premises of an estate agent, and while the advertising slogan on the upper floor that can be seen in photographs from the 1920s has long since been obliterated, the sundial erected by Matkin remains an eye catching reminder of the past," said Coun Lowe.

"With the completion of the repainting, the sundial can actually tell the people of Oakham the time once again."

Oakham Town Council agreed to spend £1,000 on improving the look of the old signs at a meeting in November, with Coun Joyce Lucas saying: "I think this is one of the best things that has happened to Oakham town centre for years!"