Replica of ancient lyre complete

It took six years to build the replica of the Lyre of Ur

A replica of an ancient lyre which was damaged during unrest in Iraq has been built by enthusiasts in Cambridgeshire.

The instrument, similar to a small harp, was made around 4,550 years ago but was destroyed when looters raided the Baghdad museum where it was kept.

In 2003 a harp player from Peterborough formed a group of experts to make an authentic but playable version.

The project is now complete and the replica Lyre of Ur is set to be played at a concert at Peterborough Cathedral.

Andy Lowings, who organises an annual harp festival in Peterborough, said he decided to start the project after reading about the lyre's destruction.

The replica has been built using 1kg of gold and authentic methods and materials, including cedar wood which was flown from Iraq by staff at nearby RAF Wyton.

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Andy Lowings formed a group of experts from across the world to make an authentic replica of the lyre