SHARP-eyed residents will have noticed an antique urn reappear above a much-faded sundial on the parish church.

Blandford and District Civic Society decided to restore the time keeper and the missing vase as its contribution to Charter 400 - the celebrations which mark the town's market status conferred by Royal Charter.

The urn was found lying in pieces on the roof guttering of St Peter's and St Paul's about 25 years ago with the iron rod which secured it rusted through.

The "exceptional" Georgian sundial in the pediment over the south porch is believed to be unique. Its colours are those that were used by the Bastard brothers when it was first installed opposite their home in East Street as part of their rebuilding of the town after the Great Fire of 1731.

Society chairman John Barnes said: "Tests with modern equipment show that this Blandford dial gives local Blandford time remarkably accurately - as it needed to in the 18th and 19th centuries and always will.

"We think it was put up there around 1740. When the sun is in the right direction you can see every line. It's marvellous really."

A stonemason from Salisbury Cathedral had worked on the project, replacing some of the parapet stones.

"The vase is the original in hamstone," said Mr Barnes.

"We have re-drilled right through the stone and put a stainless steel rod through and it didn't break apart - that was our fear.

"It's been done to the satisfaction of the architect."

Special lead paint, not normally manufactured any more, had to be ordered.

The cost of the whole project is estimated at £7,000 and the hard work of fundraising has begun.

If you would like to help, contact the society via Tony Owen at Bethune, Bryanston Street, Blandford DT11 7AZ.

First published: August 10