BUTSER Ancient Farm, at Chalton just off the A3, has been awarded £4,501 by the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) to help recreate a Roman mosaic in the farm’s replica Roman villa.

The mosaic will be made of small ‘tesserae’ tiles and is modelled on one found at an excavated Roman villa at Sparsholt near Winchester.

A spokesman for Buster Ancient Farm said: “This is believed to be the first time a mosaic has been created using traditional methods in situ since the Romans left Britain.

“It will also enhance the visitor experience, and help develop skills needed to repair genuine Roman mosaic floors.”

Other grants from the SDNPA Sustainable Communities Funding announced at the same time, include £5,000 to Gilbert White’s House and Museum in Selborne, and £2,000 to Meon Valley Beekeepers.

An SDNPA spokesman said: “Any partnership, voluntary group or organisation undertaking a non-profit project that socially, economically, environmentally or culturally benefits national park communities can apply for SDNPA Sustainable Communities Funding of up to 60 per cent of the project cost, from £250 to a maximum of £10,000.”

For details, visit the website at: www.southdowns.gov.uk/sustainable-comm unities-fund