A 19th century needlework depiciting the Menai Suspension Bridge is to stay in Bangor following a successful campaign by a local museum.

The sampler of the bridge and boats crossing the Menai Strait was created in 1829 by 11 year-old schoolgirl Mary Anne Hughes.

But it was at risk of leaving the UK - and a committee on exporting artworks and objects of cultural interest called on the UK Government to put a temporary ban on the work being exported.

Now, Storiel has put the sampler on show after it made a successful bid to buy the work - which has been deemed a "national treasure" - ensuring it will be kept locally.

Cllr Medwyn Hughes, cabinet member for community at Cyngor Gwynedd, said: "Securing an item like this sampler for our collections is in keeping with Storiel's mission and values, such as collecting items, caring for them, protecting them, displaying them and interpreting them, based on the unique history and character of Gwynedd."

"We wish to ensure that our collections inspire and educate and that they are available for everyone to enjoy."

"This sampler of Menai Bridge shows our ambition when procuring and caring for the benefit of the people of Gwynedd and north-west Wales, and we are very proud that we have ensured that this piece remains in Gwynedd, particularly as the bridge nears its 200th anniversary in 2026."

Mary Anne went to school near Thomas Telford's world famous suspension bridge, which was completed just three years before she created her needlework.

Experts say images of the bridge in textile form are rare - and as such, the work not only depicits a sense of local identity, but it also provides valuable information about teaching of literacy and sewing skills at a time when needlework was key to girls education.

Sir Chris Bryant, arts minister, said: "I am delighted that this extraordinary needlework will go on display in Gwynedd, so that locals and people from across Wales can enjoy and appreciate this unique artistic talent, depicting the opening of the Menai suspension bridge."

"This fascinating piece of art by Mary, an 11-year-old schoolgirl demonstrates the importance of ensuring every child has access to the arts, to help unleash their full potential."

Storiel's purchase of the sampler was made possible through funding from the Arts Council England, along with a purchase grant fund from the Victoria and Albert Museum and Friends of Storiel.

The county council has also thanked Sotheby's, Amgueddfa Cymru and the National Trust for providing "support and advice" during the sale.

The sampler will be displayed with other examples in the Connections Gallery at Storiel until 2nd January 2026. It will then move into a special exhibiton in the Community Gallery to mark the bridge's 200th anniversary.

Leanne Manfredi, national programmes lead at the V&A Museum, added: "The Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund supports the purchase of a wide range of material for the permanent collections of non-nationally funded organisations in England and Wales."

"We are delighted that this sampler of Menai Bridge by Mary Anne Hughes has been acquired by Storiel. It will benefit audiences for years to come through its local significance and importance to the study of 19^th century needlework and literacy."