Europe's tallest statue of Virgin Mary inaugurated in Polish village

An enormous statue of Virgin Mary that is believed to be Europe's tallest was inaugurated on Saturday in a small Polish village.

Hundreds of people took part in the consecration of the monument, which towers 55.6 metres over Konotopie in central Poland, the home of fewer than 150 people.

While helicopters scattered red roses over the crowd, priests in white robes celebrated Mass and the popular Mazowsze folk ensemble sang and danced to traditional Polish music.

The Polish statue is taller than the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.