A £3million restoration project on a National Trust site is about to begin.

An appeal to fund the restoration of Wellington Monument was launched after the trust started working towards the £3.8million goal in 2016.

The obelisk has fallen into disrepair and is need of work to return it to its former glory.

Now, with £2.8million raised, and the total bill being reduced to £3.45million - the project is ready to start.

During October, the scaffolding will be put up around the site. It will be in place for the duration of the construction, which is estimated to last 18 months.

The scaffolding has been specially designed for the monument and will be freestanding to ensure the structure is protected.

The scaffolding will be constructed by Apex and will take several months to put together.

The plans include a viewing platform at eight metres high for visitors to experience the view towards the Quantock Hills.

Over the winter work will begin with measuring and preparing the stonework. Repair work will get going in spring when warmer temperatures allow lime work to take place, and visitors will be able to get closer to the project on a scaffolding tour.

The repair work is being conducted by specialist contractor, Sally Strachey Historic Conservation, which has more than 30 years’ experience in the repair and conservation of historic fabric and architectural stonework.

Managing director of Sally Strachey Historic Conservation, Jake Motley, said: "It is a great privilege to have this opportunity to work on such a unique and prestigious monument designed to commemorate the Duke of Wellington’s victory at the Battle of Waterloo.

"It is a very interesting project in part due to the height of the monument at 53m, but also because of the special nature of the monument's location in the Blackdown Hills."

Event have been taking place for the last few years in a bid to raise funds for the project.

Work will continue to raise the remaining £650,000.

Helen Sharp, project manager for the National Trust adds: "It is exciting to see the project reach this milestone.

"We are pleased to have the specialist teams on-site and could not have reached this point without the dedication of the local community."

The project has so far seen backing from Historic England, Highways England, and Viridor Credits, while it has also received money through LIBOR funds.

Rebecca Pow MP, who the National Trust credits for providing 'critical support' in the initial stages, said: "It is exciting to see work about to start on this tremendous project; something that would be hard to believe decades ago.

"Getting this far has been a superb team effort by the whole community and of course the National Trust and everyone should be commended.

"This is much more than a monument and the restoration will not just benefit the local area but the Nation as a whole."

For more information on how to get involved with the fundraising visit nationaltrust.org.uk/wellingtonmonumentappeal.