A much-loved listed monument near Welshpool will be saved for future generations.

The iconic Rodney's Pillar on Breidden Hill has needed "urgent" repair work costing an estimated £200,000 after cracks appeared on the 54-foot monument in 2019.

The Save Rodney's Pillar charity has today (Thursday) announced that Natural Resources Wales, the lessees of the land on which the historic monument stands, will fund the remaining repair costs.

Restoration work is planned to begin in Summer 2022 and is expected to take around four months to complete.

Rhys Jenkins, NRW's Land Management Team Leader for North-Mid Wales said: "As a local in the area, I know that Rodney’s Pillar is a well known and loved landmark in the area. This work – as well as an ongoing maintenance program - will ensure its stability now and in the future.”

Bill Lee, Chair of the Save Rodney’s Pillar Charitable Trust, said: “The Trustees are obviously very happy that NRW have taken the decision to fund and repair the pillar but also as important is that they have committed to monitoring the pillar’s condition going forward, therefore ensuring the future of the pillar for generations to come, which was the main reason the Trust was set up and what we have been working towards.

“We would like to thank all those that have supported the Trust so far by raising money or awareness, it has been very much appreciated.”

NRW anticipates that the repair will take place in the summer of 2022, when the weather at the exposed spot allows. The work will take approximately four months to complete.

Fencing will remain in place until the repair work has been completed which is expected to be around four months.

In a statement, Save Rodney's Pillar said: "The Trustees are delighted to announce that NRW have taken the decision to fund and carry out the repairs to the pillar that are currently required. Going forward they will also monitor the condition of the pillar to ensure any future deterioration of the pillar is highlighted.

"Save Rodney’s Pillar is pleased that the work of the charity raised the profile of the state of the pillar and brought it to the attention of NRW. The Trustees look forward to working with both NRW and Cadw until the repairs to the pillar are completed."

The charity added: "There are more details to be discussed and once agreed they will be communicated out to everyone. In the meantime, the Trustees consider that as NRW will be paying for the repair work, fundraising for the charity should now cease.

"The Trustees are grateful to all individuals and organisations that have supported our work and hope that your interest will continue until the work has been completed."

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.