HEREFORD Cathedral is installing new icons to commemorate a Saxon king whose previous shrine at the site was a focus for healing and pilgrimage.

Ethelbert, the young Saxon king, was murdered by a jealous King Offa in 794 and is remembered in one of the patronal festivals of the cathedral during May.

In order to retell his story, the Dean of Hereford and Chapter have commissioned a set of 13 new icons to be mounted and displayed on the possible site of the destroyed shrine.

The Very Reverend Michael Tavinor said: "The story of Ethelbert is not simply a tale of life in Saxon England but has resonances for life today.

"Ethelbert's life story contains themes of prayer, mysticism, jealousy, courage, suffering, healing and redemption - human emotions which are as influential today as they were 1300 years ago."

The work has been undertaken by internationally known icon writer Peter Murphy, who has used traditional medieval techniques and materials such as gold leaf and egg tempera to create authentic religious images.

The icons are being installed now and will be dedicated by the Bishop of Hereford on Saturday, June 9.