This was the sorry site which greeted members of Wellow Church this week once a fallen tree had been cleared away from its most famous tomb.

The Nightingale family monument, the last resting place of famous nurse, Florence, was badly damaged when an 80ft lime crashed down upon it during last month’s storms.

The marble memorial, which stands 10 feet high, draws visitors from around the world to St Margaret’s Church.

The Nightingale family lived at nearby Embley Park and Florence was buried at Wellow in 1910.

Vicar, the Rev Chris Pettet, said: “ At least we’re now in a better position to have a stonemason come and restore the memorial and it is hoped this will happen soon, though we don’t have any further details of timings yet.”