IF you've got precious memories of a visit to Wellington Monument, the National Trust wants to hear from you.

It is inviting people to write letters recalling those special moments to be sealed between the stones during repairs.

It could be a love story or a simple memory of your time at the landmark.

During fundraising for the conservation project, the trust has been overwhelmed with stories from visitors of their connections to the monument.

Community and engagement fundraising officer Emma Jones said: "However we still have a way to go and are hoping that Memories in the Monument will help us complete the project.

"If we were to exceed funds needed for the project, donations would be used for other vital works at the monument site."

Memories in the Monument is an opportunity for visitors and anyone with a connection with 'Welly Monument' to write a letter of love, a memory or a story of their time there.

Somerset County Gazette: Graffiti carvings on the exterior of the Wellington MonumentGraffiti carvings on the exterior of the Wellington Monument

Previous visitors who left their mark at Wellington Monument

Emma added: "We still have plenty of space for more letters to be placed in the heart of the monument.

"Please help us to keep the spirit of storytelling alive and secure the future monument.

"A card of thanks to mark your contribution will be sent in return for your letter and donation."

Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow, who has championed the restoration project said: "Wherever I go in the constituency, people share their stories in relation to the monument - tales of marriage proposals made beneath it, picnics held and carols sung. I have my own special memories too.

"Making these wonderful local links with this historic landmark through the Memories in the Monument appeal brings it back to life and highlights the place it holds in people's memories.

"The appeal will also be making an important contribution to getting to the final total needed to complete this remarkable project."

The National Trust is asking for a minimum donation of £25 for each letter.

The Wellington Monument project is due for completion early this summer, although the National Trust still needs to raise more funds to ensure the long-term future of the monument.

Write your memory on no larger than A5 sized paper and e-mail it by the end of February to Wellington.Monument@nationaltrust.org.uk or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/wellington-monument