It was hailed as the largest stone circle to have been uncovered in the East of England.
April Fools - Phil Norris, of Rainbow Nursery, with the prehistoric stone circle 'discovered' at Weeley. Picture: TERRY WEEDEN (41848-1)
The elaborate April Fool hoax pulled in more than 100 intrigued visitors to the village of Weeley as they flocked to see Essex's answer to Stonehenge.
People arrived in their droves to gawp at the supposed 4,000-year-old structure on land owned by Rainbow Nursery. They snapped up souvenirs, postcards and even made donations in a bottle to help raise funds for St Helena Hospice.
It is hoped that the unveiling of the "Weeley stone circle" will have brought in several hundred pounds.
Phil Norris, 45, Rainbow Nursery owner, said people turned up from as far afield as Suffolk and the furthest parts of Essex after news of the site spread.
"It was just a bit of fun and a chance to make a some money for charity," he said.
Mr Norris made it clear there was to be no charge for viewing from a distance - but any donations would go to St Helena Hospice.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Tuesday, April 5, 2005
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