Much loved wooden animals are making a special return to Brent Cross Shopping Centre as part of its 40th year celebrations.

A replica collection of the horse, caterpillar and turtle which were there at the opening of the UK’s first shopping centre in 1976 will be unveiled at the event today.

Vanessa Feltz, broadcaster and television personality will unveil the animal art installation at midday.

Many local residents expressed their desire to see the return of the animals on social media which will remain at the centre for three months.

The iconic animals had a home at the centre until 1996 and the decision to bring them back was made as part of the Brent Cross 40th birthday celebrations.

Tom Nathan, general manager at Brent Cross said: “The wooden animals were such an iconic part of Brent Cross for nearly twenty years, we thought it was the perfect opportunity as part of our birthday celebrations to bring a smile to the faces of our loyal customers who enjoyed the animals all those years ago.”