CELEBRATIONS marking the 200th anniversary of the death of Jane Austen culminated in the unveiling of a banknote featuring the author at Winchester Cathedral.

The world-famous novelist has been the subject of a number of tours, talks and exhibitions in the lead up to the bi-centenary of her death.

Among these was the 'Sitting with Jane' sculpture trail, an outdoor performance of Pride and Prejudice and 'The Jane Austen Story' exhibition displaying artifacts from her life.

On Tuesday, her contribution to literature was recognised with the unveiling of the new £10 note design featuring her face by the Bank of England.

The note will be issued on September 14 and is the first with a tactile feature to help blind and partially-sighted users.

It features a portrait of Austen commissioned by her family, Austen's writing table and a quote from Pride And Prejudice: "I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!"

Visitors also heard a special lunchtime recital by The Austen Trio featuring music heard during Jane Austen's life at the unveiling.

The Dean of Winchester, the Very Rev'd Catherine Ogle said: "I cannot imagine an event like this has been done before in our history. It is wonderful to see the place full for this event, with such a festive atmosphere.

"I'm really looking forward to our special evensong. Jane Austen herself was a woman of great faith and there will be a world premiere of a new hymn and music she would have heard."

When asked whether the Cathedral's status as a tourist attraction was detracting from its purpose as a religious building, the Very Rev'd Catherine Ogle replied: "We welcome tourists and many that come here already have a Christian faith or appreciation of it. I think many people come for a variety of reasons.

"We hope we can keep a nice balance as a tourist destination and a house of prayer."

The Dean added that her favourite Jane Austen novel was Sense and Sensibility.

"I have sisters myself and she is so insightful - that novel is so tender," she said.

Jane Austen died on July 18 1817 and is buried in the Cathedral's north aisle.

She had departed from her home in Chawton to be nearer her doctor on May 24, 1817.

Two months later she died age 41 in a house in College Street, now owned by Winchester College.

On Tuesday evening, there was a service of choral evensong at the Cathedral and The Jane Austen Society held an event in the Pilgrims Hall attended by around 60 members from all over the world.

The Pocket Theatre Company sang and recited from Austen’s works and chairman professor Richard Jenkyns and writer Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles were in attendance.