An original Michelangelo drawing is set to make a brief return to the home where it was hidden for several hundred years.

The 'Mourning Woman' drawing, which was rediscovered at Castle Howard, is set to go under the hammer at Sotheby's next month.

But before that happens the drawing will be put on public display at Castle Howard.

Estate owner Simon Howard, who wed Rebecca Sieff at the estate last week, said he was keen for the old masterpiece to make a return to its home.

"Before the future of the drawing is finally decided I felt strongly that I wanted to offer visitors a unique opportunity to see the drawing," he said.

"It will on display for two days starting from Saturday with all the appropriate security in place to ensure its full protection."

It will be the first time the drawing, which has been at Castle Howard since 1740, has been put on display.

The drawing, which was discovered unframed in a sketchbook collection last year, is just the second major Michelangelo drawing to be discovered in the past 25 years.

The drawing is being offered for auction at Sotheby's, in London, on Wednesday July 11 and is expected to fetch around £8 million.

Updated: 11:17 Tuesday, June 19, 2001