Seven-metre replica of planet Earth arrives in Norfolk

People across Norfolk have had a close-up view of our planet thanks to a seven-metre replica installed at St Peter Mancroft church in Norwich.

The Gaia installation of planet Earth has arrived at St Peter Mancroft in Norwich. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The three-dimensional Gaia model has been created by UK artist Luke Jerram using NASA imagery of the planet's surface, and aims to create the 'overview effect' - a phenomenon astronauts experience when viewing the Earth from space.

The Gaia installation of planet Earth has arrived at St Peter Mancroft in Norwich. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

It is said to evoke a sense of awe and responsibility for the planet.

It has so far proved popular in the city, with visitors of all ages attending and school trips taking the opportunity to view the installation.

Families gather to look at the Gaia installation at St Peter Mancroft in Norwich. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Gaia rotates every four minutes - 360 times faster than the real Earth - and viewing is free, with it in place at the church until October 31.

The Gaia installation of planet Earth has arrived at St Peter Mancroft in Norwich. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

It opens from 10am to 3.30pm from Monday to Saturday and 6pm to 8pm on Thursday.

The installation rotates every four minutes. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Gaia will remain in place until October 31. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

It has proved a hit with visitors. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Gaia has arrived at St Peter Mancroft church in Norwich. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The Gaia installation of planet Earth has arrived at St Peter Mancroft in Norwich. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The installation rotates every four minutes. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

It will remain at the church until October 31 and is free to visit. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The Gaia installation of planet Earth has arrived at St Peter Mancroft in Norwich. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The installation is free to attend. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Schools have taken trips to visit Gaia. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Gaia has been created by UK artist Luke Jerram using NASA imagery of the planet's surface. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The Gaia installation of planet Earth has arrived at St Peter Mancroft in Norwich. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Gaia rotates every four minutes. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

People have until October 31 to visit Gaia. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

It is available to view for free at St Peter Mancroft church in Norwich. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

People have been visiting Norwich to see Gaia. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Gaia is based on NASA imagery of the planet's surface. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

It will remain at St Peter Mancroft until October 31. (Image: Sonya Duncan)