A TRUSSELL Trust volunteer who survived a brain haemorrhage has been chosen as the as the first ‘Barons Charter’ artist.

Lorna Wilson was left in a wheelchair following her illness and her Baron will be one of 25 life-sized sculptures that will form an art trail across the city this summer to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta.

Three years ago Lorna suffered a major brain haemorrhage and was told there was only a four per cent chance she would live.

Overturning the odds, the freelance artist not only survived but is learning to walk again and volunteers at the Trussell Trust every week. Now she is the first artist of the ‘Barons Charter’ to be announced since entries for designs closed.

Lorna’s winning ‘Aspiring Peregrines’ is inspired by the hatching of peregrine chicks for the first time in 61 years on the spire of Salisbury Cathedral, and she said it is “a great analogy for the freedom proposed by the wording of the Magna Carta”.

The Barons will stand guard over Salisbury all summer, and will then go to auction on October 1 to raise money for the Trussell Trust.

Businesses are being asked to sponsor the figures with 20 firms already singed up.

Chief executive David McAuley said: "This is a fantastic, rare opportunity for local businesses and people in Salisbury to make a real historical mark on the city.

"The Barons’ Charter will not only provide an incredible boost to the city’s already rich attractions this summer, but will raise vital funds to help stop people in Salisbury and across the UK going hungry."

Lorna’s completed baron was unveiled for the first time alongside two others at the Sponsor’s Evening on Tuesday in the Cathedral Refectory.

The Trussell Trust are also calling on schools to get involved in the Barons Charter project and celebrate the Magna Carta this summer.

Schools and colleges have the opportunity to get involved by buying and decorating a fibreglass Baron sculpture that is 90cm tall.

Accompanying each baron will be an online educational resource pack with curriculum linked materials.

To find out more visit thebaronscharter.org.uk.