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Pictured: A gargoyle of Sir Donald Bailey, the engineer who invented the Bailey bridge, shown peering from his creation.

One of the oldest churches in Britain has broken with tradition by installing a new gargoyle in honour of the NHS.

The stone carving depicts the head of a mask-wearing nurse is one of six new permanent gargoyles that have been added in historic Christchurch Priory in Dorset.

They have replaced ancient gothic grotesques that have fallen into a state of ruin and needed to be repaired or replaced.

While many people have praised the church officials for recognising the NHS in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, some traditionalists have criticised the move.