FOR more than 100 years, a towering landmark has stood as sentinel above the city streets in Ripon.

Built as a lasting commemoration of Queen Victoria's golden jubilee, the clock tower has become as much a part of the local landscape as the cathedral or market cross.

However, in the 105 years since it was completed, the stonework has been damaged and suffered from erosion.

But now the exterior of the tower is to be refurbished with the help of a £15,000 Single Regeneration Budget grant for works under Harrogate Borough Council's facelift initiative, funded by Yorkshire Forward.

As well as the stonework being repaired, it is hoped that a further feature will be the illumination of the upper section, subject to listed building consent being given.

Harrogate's cabinet member for resources, Councillor Margaret-Ann de Courcey-Bayley yesterday welcomed the news of the grant.

She said: "The clock tower is a well-known local landmark and many people visiting Ripon for the first time are either guided by locals - 'turn left at the clock tower' - or are impressed by its mere presence."

The tower was completed for the jubilee in 1898, following a donation by the Misses Cross of Coney Garth.

Coun de Courcey-Bayley said: "I am sure that any relatives of the donors will be pleased to see the council is taking steps to maintain this important structure."

It is also planned to restore the inscription on the tower, some words of which are missing. Mike Younge, of the local studies group, has researched the inscription and discovered that it originally said: "Length of days is in her right hand; in her left hand riches and honour."