ONE of Thomas Hardy's most beloved novels has been recreated in its original format and placed in the home of the Dorset author.

Work has recently taken place to reproduce Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbevilles.

It has been recreated from the original set of newspapers it was first published in in 1891.

The book, one of Hardy's most famous, was first serialised in the Graphic newspaper, and published in 24 parts between July 4 and December 26 and was illustrated in 25 parts, between July 4 and December 26.

Work was carried out with help from Advantage Digital Print, in Dorchester with the case binding done by Quality Art Reproductions, a Charminster company.

The original newspaper pages had to be scanned to produce a digital version that was then printed on a synthetic material and bound in book blocks.

The book has now been placed in Max Gate, the home of Thomas Hardy, in the actual room where he wrote the book.

Adrian Wood, managing director at Advantage, said: "I am sure the great man would have been proud of this reproduction, especially as it was entirely produced in his beloved Dorchester."

The book was handed over to John Hayes the National Trust visitor experience officer at Max Gate by Terry Hawkins, the sales and production support at Advantage.

John and Terry worked closely together on the production of the book.

It was created with the help of the Dorset County Museum who the group wanted to thank for their support in the project.

Following the serialisation it was then printed as a book in 1892.

Max Gate was also designed by Thomas Hardy and is where he wrote some of his novels and lived there until his death in 1928.

The original furniture was sold off by his second wife, Florence, so it is now filled with recreations to show what the rooms might have looked like.

As well as Tess of the d'Urbevilles, Hardy wrote Jude the Obscure and much of his poetry when he lived at Max Gate.

The book is the latest addition to the house which gives visitors a chance to explore how people lived at the time and learn more about Thomas Hardy.

West Dorset also boasts Hardy's Cottage where he was born as well as a visitor's centre to find out more about the author.