A GIANT embroidery was unveiled in Odiham as the village makes its final preparations for its Magna Carta celebrations.

Lady Portal, the High Sheriff of Hampshire, unveiled the embroidery at Odiham Library, in The Bury, at a ceremony on Saturday afternoon.

Amongst those attending were dozens of volunteers who helped stitch the various panels that depict 800 years of Odiham history.

Also there was John Champion, chairman of The Odiham Society, and Councillor Jonathan Glen, vice chairman of Hampshire County Council.

The embroidery project has been put together by more than 50 volunteers to mark the 800th anniversary of the signing of Magna Carta.

The images include King John setting off from Odiham Castle to meet the baronial leaders at Runnymede on June 10, 1215, as well as scenes from the agricultural and industrial revolutions, the village stocks and a Chinook from RAF Odiham.

Tricia Stephens, of the Odiham Embroidery Steering Committee, said: "The idea to do something in Odiham to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta was first mooted at an Odiham Society committee meeting in 2010.

"Who would have imagined then what was to be achieved and that the unveiling would mark the start of many festivities?"

The main celebrations in Odiham will take place this weekend.

A grand parade, led by a King John, will take place tomorrow evening at 6.30pm, leaving from Close Walk and passing through the village.

Other attractions to take place over the weekend are set to include a flower festival at All Saints Church, in The Bury, a canal boat rally at Odiham Wharf, morris dancing and a living history exhibition.

There will also an archaeology project at Odiham Castle.

For more details on the weekend's events, visit odihammagnacarta.com.