EXTENSIVE conservation work on a North Dorset church has been completed in time for this year’s Easter celebrations.

A grant awarded by Dorset Historic Churches Trust (DHCT) has helped stabilise the Eastern Sepulchre monument at St Mary’s church in Tarrant Hinton.

The Easter Sepulchre is located in the north wall of the Chancel and is considered unique for its carved Caen stone, architectural style and lateness of its construction.

The DHCT contributed a grant worth £7,000 to help fund the project. Similar sized grants were also given by the Erskine Muton Trust, the Churches Building Council and St Andrews Conservation Trust.

Work was carried out by Sally Strachey Historic Conservation and J.A. Coombes Ltd, including internal cleaning, stabilising and recording of the Easter Sepulchre.

The Easter Sepulchre is thought to date back to 1520 since the style of its carving is influenced by the early Renaissance.

To celebrate the completion of the project, the parish held a well-attended blessing and service of dedication.

Reverend Dr. Michael Foster of St. Mary’s Church, added: “It was a pleasure to welcome so many visitors to the church’s dedication service. We’d like to say a big thank you to DHCT, the Erskine Muton Trust and the Churches Building Council for their generous grants and to all others who have contributed towards this project.”