WORK to restore one of South Somerset's most iconic sites after it was damaged in an arson-attack will begin soon.

The Let's Rescue Doreen committee have almost reached their goal of raising £10,250 to restore Donyatt Halt.

The site, on the route which links Chard and Ilminster, was badly damaged in an attack in November 2015.

Doreen, the iconic statue at the site was melted and the wooden shelter at the disused railway station was also destroyed in the attack.

But now the group have raised the equivalent of £9,450 and are looking for people to help support their restoration work.

A spokesperson for the group said: "To their credit, and with the help of many generous gifts received from Tesco, Bradfords, RPS Property Maintenance, George Busby, Robert Doak and others - the group has raised the equivalent of £9,450.

"Work on the restoration will begin soon. If you are interested in supporting this group in any small way or would just like to keep up with our progress, please look at our Facebook page entitled: Let’s Rescue Doreen."

Work to restore Donyatt Halt began in 2005 as a project to link Chard and Ilminster together.

The statue of Doreen was created in tribute to Doreen Ash who was evacuated to Donyatt during World War Two.

She is alive and well in London.