YORK craftsmen were responsible for creating the shrine to Diana, Princess of Wales at Althorp Estate, the Evening Press can reveal today.

The stone urn which stands on the island resting place of the Princess and the wooden carving of Diana's name on the Doric temple was hand-crafted by sculptors working for renowned craftsman Dick Reid.

After spending six weeks creating the urn and the name carving at the studio in Fishergate, the team spent one day at the Princess's ancestral home placing it on the island where she is buried - using a crane to get the Portland stone sculpture across the lake.

Mr Reed, president of the Master Carvers' Association, who has worked on many projects for York Minster, said: "I do a lot of work for all the Royal palaces and the Spencer house in London, so it was expected that I would do this. I divided the work with two other sculptors from London, and we all worked with a designer from the estate."

Matthew Hyde, 29, who carved Diana's name, said: "Skilfully, is wasn't a particular big or difficult job to do, but the significance of carving Diana's name meant a lot.

"It was a great honour, probably one of the most meaningful jobs I've done, and it will be see by thousands."

Mr Reid, a supervisor to the Royal Household for the Carlton House Trophies, who has close links with Prince Charles, added: "At the end when I looked at the finished result, I thought it looked like a fitting tribute and the perfect resting place."

Althorp Estate opened to the public on Wednesday for the first time since Diana's funeral in September. More than 2,500 people are expected to visit her final resting place over the next two months, and view a special museum created by her brother, Earl Spencer, as a tribute to his sister.

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