A historic model of the HMS Pandora has returned to its former home after 20 year absence.

The magnificent model of the famous 18th century galleon HMS Pandora was on show at the pub for 40 years, and is now back in pride of place after being reinstated by St Austell Brewery.

The vessel is best known as the ship sent to search for the Bounty and its mutinous crew in 1790. She was wrecked during the return voyage a year later.

The model of the HMS Pandora was a key feature of the Pandora Inn in Mylor from the 1940s right through until the 1980s, when it was eventually sold.

It then changed hands several times before being moved to the collection at the National Maritime Museum in London.

Now the ship – which measures an impressive 6ft long by 5 ½ ft wide - has been repurchased by St Austell Brewery and placed proudly in the main entrance of the 13th century pub.

John Milan, who along with Steve Bellman has been at the helm of the Pandora Inn since 1999, said they were delighted to have the galleon back in the pub.

“It is a piece of The Pandora’s history and a very impressive artifact in itself,” he said, “The model was part of daily life at the Inn for four decades and we’re delighted it is back again for locals and visitors to enjoy.”

Adam Luck, from St Austell Brewery, said: “I had been aware of the model for a long time and always felt it would be fantastic to have it back in its rightful place at the Pandora Inn.

“We are very lucky that the previous owners decided it would be fitting for it to return here too. The National Maritime Museum were also amenable to moving it from their collection, and the curator even agreed to restore its rigging so it is in excellent condition.

“I’m sure many people have fond memories of seeing the model ship at the Pandora in the past, and we hope they are as pleased about her return as we are.”

It is thought the model first came to Mylor in the 1940s when the then owner of the Pandora Inn, Major Huddlestone, bought it from an antiques shop in Clifton, Bristol.

The couple who ended up owning the galleon first saw and fell in love with it when they visited the Pandora Inn over two decades ago. They later spotted it at a maritime art exhibition in Shropshire and expressed an interest in buying it.

The deal was later closed and the model was moved to their home in St Mawes, where it sat for eight years until going on display at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich in 2010.