Luke Jerram giant Earth artwork at Lincoln Cathedral

The seven-metre diameter (23ft) globe pictured here at Salisbury Cathedral has been around the world

An illuminated sculpture of planet Earth by artist Luke Jerram is set to go on show at Lincoln Cathedral.

The seven-metre diameter (23ft) globe has been taken on tour around the world and was used as a backdrop at the COP26 conference in Glasgow.

The artwork will be suspended under the cathedral's central tower and marks the start of a year-long programme of events celebrating "life on earth".

The sculpture, entitled Gaia, is on display from 5 to 25 February.

'Overview effect'

The installation features detailed NASA imagery of the Earth's surface allowing visitors to see the planet in its true three-dimensional scale.

The exhibit is accompanied by a specially-made surround sound composition by BAFTA award winning composer Dan Jones.

According to Mr Jerram, the installation, which is 1.8 million times smaller than Earth, creates a sense of the "overview effect", the profound impact experienced by astronauts when viewing the Earth from space.

The artwork has been on display across the world and in various UK locations

"I hope visitors to Gaia get to see the Earth as if from space; an incredibly beautiful and precious place," Mr Jerram said.

"An ecosystem we urgently need to look after our only home," he added.

The cathedral's year-long programme of events - Our World; God's Creation - aims to encourage people to take simple steps to help create "a more sustainable future and foster communities which help everyone to flourish".