WORK is under way on the restoration of a famous Richmond landmark.

The town's obelisk was beginning to look a little weather worn and the local authority was keen to see restoration work under way - if it could find the money to cover the cost.

There were clashes in the council chamber earlier this year over how the bill could be met, particularly when it became clear a vote to stump up the majority of the cash could mean surrounding villages having to do without promised street lighting.

But in the end, a £50,000 grant from the National Lottery helped to settle the matter and contractors have moved in, with the sound of chisel on stone now echoing around the Market Place.

The project should be completed before the end of the year.