AN angelic presence will be felt in Earl's Croome when a collection of seraphim and cherubim descend on the village.

More than 100 paintings of angels, as represented by artists throughout history, will fill St Nicholas's Church from April 3.

The Host of Angels Experience is a touring exhibition, first created by husband and wife, Roger and Liz Heaton, from Lincolnshire, as a Millennium project for their village church.

It proved so popular, that it was requested by a church in Northamptonshire, where it was seen by an Earl's Croome resident, who suggested it to St Nicholas's Church.

Roger and Liz have continued to update the exhibition and now have close to 130 pieces, copied from work by artists such as Raphael, Botticelli and Blake.

The angels range in height from just 6 inches to a staggering nine-feet and will be hung from all angles of the church, to create a truly unique experience.

"People just walk in and are dumbfounded. They look around silently and just seem really awe-struck," said Roger.

The exhibition is a labour of love for the couple, who spend most of their weeks working on new paintings.

The centrepiece of the exhibition is a copy of Botticelli's Mystic Nativity, which features 12 angels dancing in a circle in the sky and has been the biggest challenge the pair have faced.

Roger said: "It had to be made in two pieces as it wouldn't fit through the church door otherwise. I've taken the angels and copied them into a circular 3D shape, which will be hung from the church roof. I'm just hoping it will be a real wow."

The exhibition is launched on April 4 and will be open from 2pm to 5pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays until September 29.

A donation of £2.50 per person is requested, which will go towards church funds.

For more information call 01386 751466.

l One of the angels from the Portinari Altarpiece, by Hugo van der Goes, which will be on display by the Communion Rail at St Nicholas's Church.