Hill giant's facelift completed

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It took volunteers a week to re-chalk the giant

Volunteers have completed work to return Dorset's Cerne Abbas chalk giant to its former glory.

Conservationists completed a week-long makeover to re-chalk the 180ft (54m) ancient fertility symbol, which became obscured by vegetation and moss.

The increased growth was blamed on the wet summer weather and a shortage of sheep farmers lending their flocks.

The National Trust usually borrows about 100 sheep in May and September to graze the club-wielding figure.

Rob Rhodes, National Trust head warden for west Dorset, said: "Every 20 years the giant gets a thorough makeover as we give him a good scrub and add a new layer of chalk."

Many people believe the figure, which dates back to 1694, is a symbol of ancient spirituality and fertility.

The last re-chalking was in September 2001 but it was brought forward because of the erosion caused by the wet summer.

A 2.7in (10cm) layer of chalk was removed and 17 tonnes of fresh chalk was then crumbled into its place, watered in to form a paste and firmed down to form a solid layer.