AMESBURY Ancestor has donned a face covering to encourage residents and visitors alike to get behind England's newly-enforced law on mask wearing.

From today, face coverings are compulsory in shops and other enclosed spaces in a bid to contrast the spread of coronavirus.

Members of the Community Mask Trees, who have spent the past few months sewing cloth face coverings for the community, have been working behind the scenes with the owner and sculptor of the famous landmark, to organise a "monumental mask up" to coincide with the change in legislation.

Salisbury Journal: From left: Naomi Betts, Abi Lunn, Carol Kite, Sian Hunt and Gill Kirk-BurgessFrom left: Naomi Betts, Abi Lunn, Carol Kite, Sian Hunt and Gill Kirk-Burgess

Founder Naomi Betts said: "This morning we put a giant mask on the Ancestor and got a flag printed with the Community Mask Trees logo saying please protect our community.

"The aim is to make mask wearing very accepted and encourage everyone to do what we can to suppress the virus.

"It sends a nice, clear message that masks are very accepted in Amesbury and it ties in with the work we've been doing to provide reusable face coverings."

Using the Ancestor to promote the wearing of masks was the brainchild of volunteer Abi Lunn.

The group then contacted Andy Rawlings, who owns the iconic statue at Solstice Park, to ask for permission.

Naomi added: "Andy was very enthusiastic so we spent the past week taking out all the measurements and getting the mask made up and the flag printed."

Once the mask was made, by sewer Carol Kite, the group gathered at the statue earlier today to fit it to the Ancestor.

Salisbury Journal: Andy Rawlings on the AncestorAndy Rawlings on the Ancestor

On their Facebook page, the group said: "The Ancestor is described as the gatekeeper at the threshold of the 7500 year old ancient settlement of Amesbury - home of Stonehenge (and home of the first Community Mask Tree). It is therefore very fitting that on Friday 24th July, he put on a mask to encourage all those visiting Amesbury to help protect our community."

The group are now hoping more people will take up monumental mask ups in their communities.

They are encouraging anyone who does so to share pictures using the hashtag #monumentalmaskup