A campaign group set up to save a North Powys landmark say the condition of the monument has deteriorated less severely than expected.

However a statement from the Save Rodney's Pillar charity said that the repair work, which is estimated to cost up to £200,000, remained urgent.

The campaign was set up in February 2020 after cracks appeared in the 54ft monument overlooking the village of Criggion in late 2019.

The Grade II listed monument was erected at the top of Breidden Hill in 1782 to pay tribute to Admiral George Brydges Rodney, who led campaigns in the American War of Independence and in the Caribbean against the French.

"We have had a new survey carried out to update the condition of the Pillar and to have a breakdown of the costs, the good news is that the condition of the Pillar has not deteriorated as much as expected," said a spokesperson.

"However that does not mean that it is still not in need of urgent repair, the costs are still estimated to be the same, however we do have a full breakdown and a better understanding of why it will costs so much.

"We are also planning meetings in the coming weeks, with various bodies to look at options for funding and what we need to do to access that funding."

The group held a fundraising event on Bank Holiday Monday, May 31, which saw them speaking to visitors in the car park near Criggion Village Hall.

"It was surprising the number of people who go up there and the distance they travel to do it, many from Telford and even Birmingham, most of whom were very interested, when they realised the issue with the Pillar, in wanting to help by donating or wanting to be involved when they can," they added.

The group are set to start holding open meetings again in the coming weeks and are seeking trustees to help steer the campaign.

Anyone interested should contact the group via their website at http://saverodneyspillar.org.uk/