Dragons lurk in much of the decor at the Royal Pavilion - including in the Music Room pictured here. © The Royal Pavilion, Libraries and Museums, Brighton and Hove

A new dragon has taken up residence at the front door of Brighton’s Royal Pavilion to welcome visitors as they enter. Restored to its original gilded splendour, the dragon has been brought out of storage by curators at the royal palace and stands proudly in the Octagon Hall, where visitors first arrive, to offer a taster of the magnificent interiors.

The dragon, made of gilded copper with a distinctive fish-tailed body, was originally used as the palace weather vane, positioned atop the water tower serving the needs of the royal household. The water tower was demolished in the late 19th century but fortunately the unusual weather vane was saved and is now on display inside for the first time.

The gilded dragon adds to the many other dragons which feature in the decorations of the Royal Pavilion, to be found in carvings, carpets, stained glass and wall hangings, carrying curtains and chandeliers in their claws. There are so many that when, challenged to tot them up them, children always lose count.

Staff at the Royal Pavilion are celebrating the new arrival by launching the Royal Pavilion Dragon Quest, which lasts for the whole of the summer holidays. In the Quest, each child becomes the central character in a story that takes them through the magical interiors where the dragons are running riot. Commissioned by Prince George to tame the dragons and get them back to their decorative jobs, the most successful dragon tamers will win exciting prizes.

The Royal Pavilion Dragon Quest continues until September 2 2007. Quests are available all day every day, at a cost of 25p per Quest, plus admission.