A UNIQUE opportunity for the West Country to see a reconstruction of the "missing section" of the 231ft long framed Bayeux Tapestry, and to learn of its story, comes this summer in Cornwall.

Using the original stitch, with plant-dyed yarns on the same kind of linen, Jan Messent has created the "mystery" eight feet section which historians are generally agreed has been torn and lost from the end of the masterpiece in Normandy.

Her "Bayeux Finale" shows the English surrender at Berkhamsted and William the Conqueror's coronation at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066.

The first public showing of this work was in the French town of Falaise - where King William was born - and it has also been on display in the United States.

The Latin inscription on the finale reads: "And here, at Berkhamsted, the nobles of London yield. Here sits William, King of the English. Everyone rejoices."

"This eight feet section is being displayed at the Royal Cornwall Museum in River Street, Truro, from September 1-15, from 10am-5pm (except Sundays)," said Ann Tyzzer, exhibition publicity officer, of the 40-strong Penzance group of the West Country Embroiderers. Admission to view this will be at normal museum prices: £3 adults, £2 for OAPs and students, 50p for children (free if with adult).

Jan Messant will support this exhibition with lectures on Friday, September 7, at Perranarworthal village hall (3pm), and on Saturday, September 8 (7pm) at the Truro Museum gallery. Admission will be £5 (£4 to members).

"This is the first and only time the section will be on display in the West Country," commented Penzance vice-chairman Roz Cundick. It is owned by the sponsors, Madeira Threads (UK) Company, of Thirsk, Yorkshire.

The West Country Embroiderers comprise over 1,000 members, with Gill Griffin of Perranwell, Truro, its chairman, and Anne Simpson, of Totnes, Devon, secretary. They will be staging their exhibition at the Truro Museum, Expo 2001, at the same time as the finale is on show, and a display of their millennium banner at the Hall for Cornwall, Truro.