Elevated to the status of a living saint! Fresh chance to see unusual Chris Packham portrait in London chapel

                                                    

Saintly - Chris Packham, Richard Ansett and the portrait 

THERE is a new opportunity to see an unusual portrait depicting celebrity naturalist Chris Packham as a modern-day St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals.

In photographer-artist Richard Ansett's study, the BBC broadcaster is kneeling in prayer surrounded by such endangered British bird species as Lapwing, Housemartin, Yellow Wagtail, Hawfinch, Turtle Dove, Bittern, Ring Ouzel, Stone Curlew, Yellowhammer and Wood Warbler.

The image was originally commissioned by the Radio Times magazine last year, but now - in illuminated form - is on public display until May 21 in the Fitzrovia Chapel in London.