CAMPAIGNERS seeking to transform an ailing Victorian monument in Purbeck into the cornerstone of a country park are appealing for help to raise £1 million.

In 2006 the Heritage Lottery Fund earmarked £3.27 million for the Durlston Castle Project, which aims to restore the castle as the natural focus for visitors to Durlston Country Park, near Swanage.

Organisers of the Durlston Project, which will cost around £5.85 million to complete, have already raised £1 million, but need another £1 million in match funding before the lottery will release the cash it has put aside for the scheme.

The Friends of Durlston group and the Jurassic Coast Trust are now appealing for local people and businesses to lend their support and help raise the extra money.

And the project received a welcome boost when keen naturalist and celebrity bird watcher Bill Oddie agreed to give his support to the scheme.

Dorset Countryside head ranger and project leader Hamish Murray, said: "This is our one opportunity to restore and reuse Durlston Castle to help more people learn about and enjoy the outstanding and internationally important wildlife and geology of Durlston.

"The next 12 months and the support of the individuals, businesses and organisations is critical to the success of this major project for Dorset."

In the plans the restored castle will become the new visitor centre, enabling the current visitor centre to be transformed into an exciting learning and family activity centre.

There are a variety of ways people can support the project, varying from a cash donation to leaving a legacy.

People can also create a personal memento in the Walk of Words, where for £85 they can engrave a Purbeck stone with a 48-character message. The stone will then be set in the Castle grounds.

For more information visit durlston.co.uk or telephone 01929 424443.