MORE than £5,000 has been raised during an event for Wellington Monument.

In an effort to raise money for the monument's restoration, 41 people took part in the first 'Monumental Trek' event which took place on Saturday, May 11.

The National Trust is midway through a mammoth £3.8million fundraising project to restore parts of the tallest three-sided obelisk in the world.

Emma Jones, community fundraiser for the National Trust, said: "We would like to thank the local community who took up the challenge to walk either 10k or 21k for the appeal as well as those who supported our walkers both in their generous sponsorship and coming out on the day in support of them.”

The event saw the fundraisers walk a 10km or 21km route around the area near the monument.

Rebecca Pow, who took part in the walk, said:”What a superb fundraising event.

"Not only has it brought the community together and kept us all fit, it has raised lots of money for this really great project.

"Every single penny now counts as we get nearer and nearer the 3.8 million.We are at 2.8 million now.”

The walking challenge was supported by the Adventure Café which devised the route and ensured participant safety across the day.

Finn Shepherd, another participant, said: “I had such a fantastic time.

"Everyone was so friendly and the guys who led it were awesome.

"I loved the handmade wooden medal we received at the end.

"I will definitely do it next year.”

The routes took in some of the stunning scenery and countryside across the Blackdown Hill’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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Mrs Jones added: “I want to thank Wellington, Hemyock and Wellington Without Parish Councils, the AONB, Hirebase for the loan of a generator and all the volunteers, especially John Greenshields, that helped make the day run so smoothly.

"I can’t wait for next year’s event.”