Wellington monument to cost £4m

The monument has stood on the Blackdowns since 1817

Plans are be unveiled to repair the crumbling Wellington monument on Blackdown Hills.

The National Trust is to rebuild one of Somerset's most iconic landmarks at a cost of £4m.

But they cannot afford to do the work on their own and are looking for public and private partners.

"We were given Wellington monument to protect forever and that's our responsibility," said Andy Mayled, General Manager at the National Trust.

The monument was closed to the public in 2005 and safety barriers erected after cracks were discovered.

The plans involve removing the outer stonework and re-cladding it.

The Wellington monument has stood as a landmark on the highest point of the Blackdown Hills since 1817.

It was built as a tribute to the Duke of Wellington's military achievements at the Battle of Waterloo.