VANDALS have cut off the noses of three famous figures and spoilt the faces of two others to deface a popular statue in the grounds of Christchurch Priory.

Vicar of Christchurch the Rev Canon Hugh Williams and the Priory's 11th century founder Ranulf Flambard were among the casualties when vandals attacked some of the characters carved in the Portland stone column in the gardens between the Priory and Place Mill.

The vandals, armed with some form of heavy implement, also knocked off the nose of a medival monk, gouged out the eyes of a Henry VIII henchman, and scratched the face of a Norman knight.

It's the second time the vicar's nose has been knocked off since the statue was erected to commemor-ate the 900th anniversary of the Priory in 1994.

He said: "It is a very sad state of affairs. It must have been deliberate, but it is pointless. What has it achieved? Absolutely nothing except aggravation and annoyance and the cost of repairs."

"We were concerned about vandalism but it would be a terrible shame if we had to put some form of protective fence around the statue because the great thing about it is for people to be able to get up close and look at the carving."

The carving was created by Dorset sculptor Jonathan Sells who won a design contest sponsored by Christchurch council for a monument to mark the 900th anniversary of the Priory.

His caricatures of some of the characters involved in the history of the Priory from its founder in 1094 to the current incumbent took six months to carve and has since become a much-loved focal point of the gardens.

Although the gardens bordering the Mill Stream are owned by the Priory they are leased to Christchurch council which will be responsible for the cost of repairs.

First published: November 4, 2005