PLANS to restore a monument to one of Hampshire’s greatest naval heroes have received a major boost.

Lymington and Pennington Town Council has vowed to spearhead an attempt to obtain a vital grant towards the cost of refurbishing a 76ft obelisk overlooking the town.

Town clerk Caroline Godfrey said applications to the Heritage Lottery Fund stood more chance of success if they were backed by a local authority.

A bid for up to £70,000 is likely to be made within the next two months.

The 173-year-old obelisk salutes the achievements of Admiral Sir Harry Burrard Neale, who rose to become Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet.

During his career he captured or destroyed 20 enemy vessels and also helped to crush a mutiny in the Thames Estuary.

He was also MP for Lymington for many years and paid for the first gas lighting to be installed in the town in 1832.

A gas lamp monument erected as a thank you to Sir Harry has been given a much-needed facelift.

Now attention is turning to the obelisk, with the town council agreeing to be the lead agency in the lottery bid process.

Peter Stone, founder of the restoration project, said: “The area surrounding the monument used to resemble a jungle but has now been transformed.

“The purpose of any grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund will be to fund the restoration of the obelisk itself.

“We’re very pleased the council has agreed to be the lead agency. It’s a respected body that’s already given us a lot of support.

“A great deal of progress has already been made.

“It’s very noticeable that more people are visiting the monument. They’ve now got good access and can see it when they get there.”