THE prominent cross on a town's landmark was yesterday put back in place after being restored.

The 14th Century market cross in Bedale has undergone four weeks of intensive restoration work after years of erosion and weathering from the wind, rain and snow.

As well as a newly-painted cross, the stonework column and steps of the ancient monument will be restored.

Work is expected to finish next week.

Hambleton District Council, which has responsibility for the cross, last carried out restoration work in 1975.

Tony Robinson, the council's senior planning officer, said: "This work needed doing - the base of the steps were worn and a structural survey showed that more than 70 per cent of the joints needed repointing."

The cross is one of only three grade I listed buildings in Bedale, sharing its distinction with St Gregory's Church and Bedale Hall. It is the starting point of the annual Shrove Tuesday pancake race.

Inspection and repair is being carried out by Historic Property Restorations, of North Shields, and overseen by English Heritage.

Steve Taylor, working on site yesterday, said things were going as planned.

"The cross is back in place and there is about a week's worth of work left to do on the sandstone," he said.

"It is an important landmark in the town and I know it is important to the people who live here - I haven't been short of locals stopping to ask what's going on."