Christmas angel, by Peter Rush. DA4653P1A NEW angel created by local artist Peter Rush was seen "flying" above the spire crossing at Salisbury Cathedral this Christmas.

Peter was commissioned to design and produce the new addition to join his collection of figures, which appear at the cathedral each Yuletide.

And his latest creation was installed above the spire crossing on December 19, in time for it to look over the nativity scene below.

Each year, hundreds of local people visit the cathedral just to see the life-size figures that make up the nativity scene.

A number of angels had already adorned the pillars at the spire crossing and the area above the pulpit, but this was the first time one of the angels had quite literally taken flight to hover over the crib.

In the days leading up to Christmas, the shepherds waited with Mary and Joseph in the stable.

Once the carol services are over, the three wise men disappeared to return at their correct time of Epiphany.

Then, for the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass service, the figure of the baby Jesus was placed in the manger.

The new angel was paid for with the generous support of the Friends of Salisbury Cathedral.

Commenting on his new addition, Peter Rush said it had been inspired when he was working with a group of Afro-Caribbean children.

Made of chicken wire, kitchen roll and bin liners, it weighs about the same as an 11-year-old child.