A SERIES of fascinating art installations will take up residence in a North York Moors abbey during Holy Week in April.

Brocken Spectre, an installation by artist Charles Monkhouse, will be the highlight of the installations running at Rievaulx Abbey from April 12 to 15.

A Brocken spectre is a shadow of an observer surrounded by an iridescent glory projected onto cloud or mist and is considered to be one of the origins of the halo.

The work will be supported by further installations: a meditation on nourishment by pupils from Helmsley Community Primary School working with writer Tracey Iceton; a musical installation by Michael Davis; a projection exploring the glory of a Brocken spectre as the origin of the halo, and the lighting of various sections of the abbey.

Derbyshire artist Mr Monkhouse works in rural and public spaces to produce temporary installations and permanent sculptures and said Rievaulx was an ideal setting for his work.

He said: “I like working at night in rural landscapes and I am keen to place Brocken Spectre in a sacred setting.

"The abbeys of North Yorkshire are a natural choice and Rievaulx, intimately set in a tight valley, makes it very special.”

Paul Robson, head of events for the North at English Heritage said: “This is a stunning installation and we are pleased to be working with Charles Monkhouse and bringing something so unique to this beautiful site.

"While Brocken Spectre takes centre stage Michael Davies sound and light Illumaphonium and the Helmsley Primary Schools Silent Voices will prove to be two other fascinating aspects of this event.”