A few tickets are still available for the last chance the general public will get to view Mia Hansson's hand-stitched replica of the 11th century Bayeux Tapestry before all 68.4 metres are completed in three years' time.

Mia, who lives near Wisbech with her husband and son, will tell the story of her incredible labour of love on Friday October 4 at St Peter's Church Hall in the town.

Beforehand, from 11am, ticket-holders will get the chance to browse the 47.5 metres she has finished so far laid out on tables.

Any profit from ticket sales goes to the Friends of Wisbech and Fenland Museum, who booked Mia to give a presentation during the national conference weekend for museum Friends they are hosting at Wisbech.

Mia said: “Soon after I agreed to the booking, I was offered a very large sum of money for my work when finished.

“I decided then that this would be the last time I risked laying it out as it is obviously very valuable.

“Eventually, after spending eight years up to now with three more to go, I plan to sell it at auction for £1 million!

“I asked if we could open the event for the public as well as conference delegates because local people have been very supportive of my journey so far. I have a private booking with the WI after this one, then that's it.”

The original tapestry, actually an embroidery on canvas made by French nuns around 1077 and still surviving, tells the story of the Norman Conquest of Britain in 1066.

The British Association of Friends of Museums conference will be held on the Saturday at the Luxe Cinema from 10am to 4pm.

Delegates will be greeted by costumed English Civil War re-enactors Militias of Anglia in the foyer beforehand.

Wisbech Mayor Sidney Imafidon, Fenland District Council chairman Cllor Nick Meekins and Wisbech Museum chairman Steve McGregor will attend the opening.

* Tickets for Mia are £5 each from Wisbech Museum, open 10am to 4am Wednesday to Saturday or from her website, https://www.miasbayeuxstyleart.uk/

(Image: Adrian DENNIS)