He was given one of its highest traditional honours - being made a "paramount chief".

High Commissioner and Paramount Chief Peter Penfold

Thousands of people, including schoolchildren, lined the main streets of the capital Freetown waving flags of Sierra Leone and Great Britain to welcome the High Commissioner, almost six weeks after he was recalled to London.

Mr Penfold had been in London facing questions over allegations that British officials had breached UN sanctions by sending weapons to help restore the ousted President, Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, to power.

President Kabbah, restored to power with British help

After weeks of investigation by the British authorities into the Sandline arms deal, the High Commissioner was cleared of all wrongdoing.

On Sunday, shortly after the British diplomat arrived in Freetown, he was put in a specially made traditional hammock and carried shoulder-high to the famous cotton tree in the centre of Freetown.

The hammock is a symbol of respect reserved for the most respected traditional rulers in the country.

In the forecourt of the law court building, Peter Penfold, wearing a traditional native gown was crowned as paramount chief of the western area of Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leoneans celebrated the return of their president

He was also given a staff of office, signifying the importance of his new title.