PLANS to erect a permanent home for the region's most famous piece of embroidery have been given a major cash boost.

This week, Spelthorne Council agreed to cough up £42,000 to help the fundraising committee build a home for the Sunbury Millennium Embroidery.

The work of art, which is a record to celebrate the community of Sunbury on Thames in the year 2000, took five years to complete. It received national recognition in July when the Queen visited the town for a viewing and to meet some of the embroiderers.

Now the committee is trying to raise a total of £400,000 to fund an embroidery centre in the Walled Garden, Sunbury, so that the piece can remain on display.

Councillor Ted Culhane, head of adult and elderly services, said the committee has raised £40,000 so far, and if they get another £360,000 together, the council is prepared to stump up the rest.

He said: "This is a unique piece of work which truly deserves a purpose-built home of its own where visitors from all over the country can see it. We are delighted to support this valuable project."

By.Sherelle Folkes