THE original manuscript to one of Elgar's best-loved works has been bought by the museum at his birthplace in Lower Broadheath, near Worcester.

The museum paid £15,000 for the manuscript to Salut d'amour, which will go on public display for the first time in years.

The cost of the manuscript was partly funded by a 50 per cent grant.

Museum director Catherine Sloan said it was well worth the money.

"We're absolutely thrilled to be able to add this manuscript, one of Elgar's best-loved pieces, to our collection," she said.

"It's very rare for original Elgar manuscripts to come on the market."

Salut d'amour was composed in 1888 as a gift to Elgar's future wife.

Still struggling to make his name as a musician, Elgar sold the copyright for two guineas, little knowing how popular it would become and how much money it would make its publishers.