ROTARIANS are planning to restore an ancient landmark near Guisborough as part of the movement's centenary celebrations worldwide.

The Six Stoups were a set of marker stones by the roadside at the top of Birk Brow on the A171 outside Guisborough.

The original purpose or significance of the stones is unknown, but conservationists believe them to be about 300 years old.

Alan Adams, conservation manager for Redcar and Cleveland Council, said: "Originally, there were three pairs of stones on opposite sides of the road, forming a rectangular shape. They could have been boundary markers or a meeting or trading place, we just don't know for certain."

Over the years, most of the 6ft-high stones have been damaged or lost, so the Rotary Club of Guisborough and Great Ayton is proposing to re-instate them.

Working in collaboration with the council's conservation department, the plan is to replace the stones and relocate them to a safer position a few yards away from the road.

"We could buy fresh stone from a quarry but old weathered stone will be more in keeping with the location and the style of the remaining stone column," said Peter Sotheran, chairman of the Rotary club's community service committee.

The club is seeking five or six old stone gate pillars, each about 5-6ft long and about 12-15in square.

Mr Sotheran added: "We would very much like to hear from any farmers or land owners who have redundant pillars that they are willing to donate to recreate this ancient monument.

"I am sure that there are a number of disused pillars, probably lying in the heather or the long grass somewhere on the moors."

The Rotary club and the council will arrange transport and safe storage until all the pieces are in place and ready for re-installation.

Special features will be built in to the mounting of the stones to minimise the likelihood of unauthorised interference with them.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Peter Sotheran on 01642 471662 or 07989 759430, or Stuart Ramsdale on 01287 612350.