Award-winning journalist and Winchester resident Mark Byford has called his book 'The Annunciation: A Pilgrim’s Quest' which was inspired by a chance viewing of a picture in London’s National Gallery first displayed in Winchester College Chapel.

Whilst researching the book the author met with more than a hundred senior clerics, world-renowned theologians, art historians and artists. These include the Bishop of Winchester, Tim Dakin; the former Dean, James Atwell; theologians Professor Lisa Isherwood and Andreas Andreopoulos at the University of Winchester. The works of respected Winchester based artists also feature in the book. Mr Byford said: "It is the intimacy, honesty and originality of the revelations from such a wide ranging and authoritative cast list that gives the book its real edge."

A brand new glass engraving by the world-renowned, Winchester-based artist, Tracey Sheppard, will be unveiled on book launch night in the Cathedral.

Mr Byford has lived in Winchester for more than three decades and spent thirty-two years at the BBC including being Head of BBC Journalism. He is now a Lay Canon and member of Chapter at the Cathedral.

The book launch will take place on Monday April 9 at 6.45pm at The Retrochoir, Winchester Cathedral.

The Annunciation is the Christian celebration of the announcement by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus.