A huge statue of the Virgin Mary has been unveiled in the small Polish village of Konotopie, in a ceremony attended by hundreds of people.

Standing 55.6 metres tall, the monument is believed to be the tallest statue of the Virgin Mary in Europe. Its inauguration featured a Catholic Mass, traditional Polish music and helicopters scattering red rose petals over the crowd.

Former Polish president and anti-communist Solidarity leader Lech Walesa attended the ceremony, saying the statue marked the end of a journey that began with his Catholic faith.

The monument was commissioned by local couple Roman and Grażyna Karkosik, who said it was built as an expression of gratitude to God. Local authorities hope it will become both a pilgrimage site and a tourist attraction.