A RARE 15th-century statue will be put on show in Shaftesbury later this year.

Arts Council England has awarded Shaftesbury Abbey £22,000 for the conservation and display of the painted statue, which depicts The Mass of St Gregory.

There are only three other known examples in England, said Claire Ryley, trustee in charge of the Abbey collections.

“This statue is an important part of Shaftesbury’s heritage and its story of concealment and discovery in the 1970s in St Peter’s Church, and the rare survival of medieval paint, make it a fascinating historic object and work of art.

“We look forward to sharing it with all our visitors and online later this year.”

The base of the statue, which measures around 1.5 metres high, is currently in around 150 pieces.