An incredible 42ft-long table made from fossilised wood dating back 5,000 years is on display at Rochester Cathedral.

And staff are keen The Fenland Black Oak Table, which was made to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee last year, is put to functional use - even hiring it out for dinner parties.

Hailed as the Table for the Nation, it is crafted from the country's rarest and most precious hardwood – black oak.

In 2012, the giant black oak tree was found in a field in Wissington Fen, East Anglia.

The 13.2m long section of tree was discovered deep in the peat, having laid undisturbed for 5,000 years.

It is believed it would have been more than 180ft tall when it was thriving. For comparison, present day oak trees are around 65ft tall.

For 10 years a team of privately-funded specialist crafts people worked to create a stunning sculptured piece of furniture from the ancient wood.

Dean of Rochester, the Very Rev Dr Philip Hesketh, said: "We feel so very privileged to be hosting this remarkable table in the Cathedral. It is an amazing piece of craftsmanship which brings to life a distant part of our past when trees were towering giants."

Leading the Fenland Black Oak Project to create the table has been Hamish Low.

He said: "We are truly grateful to all those who have funded this project. In addition to the support that has come from The Building Crafts College in Stratford, London, who not only allowed the use of their workshop facilities but encouraged students from their cabinet making and woodworking courses to get involved.

"Rochester Cathedral is only the second venue to display the table. It is has been at Ely Cathedral, Cambridgeshire,where it was unveiled by HRH The Princess Royal.

It will be on show in the nave for a year. usually in the aisles, but there are plans for it to be moved into the central nave at times through the year.

Visitors will be able to feel the table and marvel at the incredible craftsmanship which has gone into preserving the wood.

Alongside the table will be panels detailing the history of black oak.

Rochester Cathedral staff are keen to make sure the table does not just become something to look at. They want as many people as possible to use it.

Schools and families will be encouraged to use the table for activities exploring both the incredible tree and the history of the Cathedral.

People will even be able to have dinners on the table if they wish to hire it for the evening.

The public are encouraged to get in touch with the Cathedral if they have ideas of how they would like to use the table.