THE manuscript of Elgar's last great work was bought for £20,000 by the Elgar Birthplace Museum last week.

Visitors to the museum at Lower Broadheath may now have the opportunity of seeing it early next year.

The manuscript of The Severn Suite, signed by Elgar and dedicated to George Bernard Shaw, had been expected to fetch up to £30,000 at the Sotherby's sale in London.

"We're absolutely delighted to have secured it," said Michael Messenger, chairman of the museum's management committee.

"The British Library alerted us to it originally. They were very anxious we should get it if we possibly could.

"We had significant support from the Heritage Lottery Fund. They turned round an application very quickly and were extremely supportive.

"The Elgar family also made a contribution from the Elgar Will Trust."

The Severn Suite was commissioned for the Crystal Palace Brass Band Festival and first performed there in September 1930. The working manuscript includes alterations and amendments.

Mr Messenger said: "It was written late in Elgar's life, based on earlier sketches. It's an interesting piece, with local connotations in the themes of the old Worcester Castle, Cathedral and Commandery, although he gave the movements these names two years later."

He said he was not sure when the manuscript would be put on display, but it would probably be fairly soon after Christmas when the displays are reorganised.

"It will certainly be on display around the time of Elgar's birthday, because the Elgar Society is planning a walk around Worcester, based on the sites of the Elgar suite."