COLCHESTER & Ipswich Museums Service has played a part in keeping one of artist John Constable's masterpieces available to the public.

A partnership of national and regional galleries, boosted by a £15.8 million lottery grant, has bought Constable's Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows 1831 for £23.1 million.

The spectacular "six-footer" canvas will go in display at the Tate Modern before touring galleries including Ipswich's Christchurch Mansion in 2015.