Work has begun on creating a modern day long barrow that will store cremated human remains.

The feature will be on a field at Tim Daw’s farm at Cannings Cross in All Cannings.

At sunrise on December 21, the date of the winter solstice, the first turf was cut using an antler pick, a tool used in Neolithic times.

Simon Banton, a colleague of Mr Daw’s at Stonehenge, dressed as a Druid and gave a traditional Druid blessing.

When the long barrow is built, the solstice sunrise will shine down the length of the internal passageway.

At the ceremony were a few people who have already bought slots in the long barrow, either for themselves or family members.

Mr Daw said: “Four people have already bought slots. I’ve not really publicised the long barrow yet, I am working on getting a leaflet and a website up together. When it’s finished it will be spectacular inside.”

The long barrow will be a grass covered mound and inside will be natural stone chambers within which will be 350 family niches. Each niche can hold six urns.

Six months of building work will get underway soon.