A EVESHAM artist has recreated the vision that led to the founding of the Abbey, in the early eighth century.

Eof, from whom Evesham probably received its name, was a humble swineherd or a shepherd when he received a vision of the Virgin Mary.

The Abbey was founded near the spot.

Now the Badsey artist, Michael Barnard, has painted a view of the Abbey, complete with Eof's vision of the Virgin Mary with angels, as a tribute to the enduring legend.

His painting, called "The Inheritance", also shows medieval monks from the Abbey, hard at work.

Mr Barnard said: "My dearest wish is that this area, shown in my picture, should be landscaped in the style of Capability Brown and dedicated to the Swineherd Eof.

"This is the very heart of Evesham and it is a place of wonderful views. The Eof Gardens, if created, would be a great and timely boost to, we hope, an exciting Evesham future."