BOLTON'S housing chiefs have been saved from going roaring mad after solving a lion-sized mystery. A huge stone monument of a lion went missing five years ago from the roof of Hilden Street College overlooking St Peter's Way. Mystery surrounded the whereabouts of the big cat which, according to Bolton's housing chairman Cllr Noel Spencer, had "just vanished into thin air".

Fears that the four-foot-high intricately-carved animal had been stolen escalated when a search proved fruitless.

However, following major renovation work by housing association St Vincent's, the animal has been discovered safe and well - hiding under the eaves.

The terracotta lion was part of four perched high on top of the Victorian building.

Two of the lions were removed leaving the two cats making a striking skyline for motorists approaching Bolton town centre.

Cllr Spencer said: "We thought someone must have stolen it for a garden ornament. It was a great mystery.

"But builders discovered it dismantled and hidden on the eves. It's wonderful that it has been found.

"We have plans to return it back to its former glory and put it back on the roof."

Hilden Street College is undergoing a major transformation as St Vincent's turn old classrooms into affordable flats.

The scheme is part of Bolton Council's bid to encourage people to live in and around the town centre.

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