Will secrets of Dorset's naked giant be revealed by National Trust deal?

The mystery of when, how and - perhaps most importantly - why a giant naked figure was carved into a dizzyingly steep hillside in the West Country has been a source of wonder and intrigue for centuries.

- Steven Morris

Future generations may come closer to solving the puzzle of the Cerne Giant after the National Trust stepped in to buy 138 hectares (340 acres) of land around the 55-metre (180ft) tall figure.

The planned purchase is expected to clear the way for more archaeological investigations around Britain's largest chalk hill figure, which looms over the rolling Dorset landscape.

It would also mean more work can be done to protect the flora and fauna on the hillside, including the rare Duke of Burgundy butterfly. And the conservation charity hopes the purchase will lead to better access to the site, with more chances for exploration and play.

The trust has exchanged contracts for the land and it plans to use money from its funds, grants and bequests to cover £2.2m of the asking price.