DESIGNS for two Millennium windows at Malvern Priory have now been put forward by artist Tom Denny.

Mr Denny was commissioned in December to design the windows on a theme based on Psalm 36. The passage, from verses five to 10, refers to the "mighty mountains" of righteousness and the "fountain of life", giving scope for an interpretation reflecting local features, such as the Malvern Hills and spring water.

The £40,000 project for the two most easterly windows in the north aisle is to be paid for by the Friends of Malvern Priory.

Mr Denny presented his initial designs to members of the parochial church council, with representatives of the Diocesan Advisory Committee and English Heritage, at an informal meeting last week.

"Those present were very excited by them and liked them very much," said PCC secretary Christine Wells.

"The PCC will formally decide whether to apply for a faculty from the Diocesan Advisory Committee at its meeting next Thursday."

Granting of the faculty, a formal approval of the scheme by the church authorities, would enable work to begin in 12 to 15 months' time.

Mr Denny is currently working on two windows for Tewkesbury Abbey, a project which is likely to take another year.

Chairman of the Friends, Basil Dewing, said Mr Denny was proposing to replace all the clear glass in the windows, but leave the existing stained glass in the tracery, some of which is believed to be medieval.

"A survey is being done to establish its condition and provenance and establish whether any preservation work needs to be done," he said.