Richmond'S crumbling obelisk can look forward to a facelift after a £50,000 gamble by the local authority paid off.

Richmondshire District Council agreed on a compromise over the monument's destiny earlier this year when it became clear the authority could not afford to foot the £80,000 repair bill.

The resources committee had agreed to spend the cash - but was overruled by the full council when it became clear it would mean sacrificing too many other vital projects.

Instead, it was agreed the council should earmark £30,000 as a contribution towards the obelisk repairs - and hope its application to the National Lottery was successful.

Confirmation that the Heritage Lottery Fund has agreed to fund the project came over the weekend. The news also unlocks a contribution from Richmond Town Council.

District planning chairman Councillor Campbell Dawson said: "We are delighted the Heritage Lottery Fund has chosen to support this project. The grant, coupled with the town council's contribution, will enable repair work to begin this financial year."

The authority's conservation officer, David Elliott, added: "The council was already committed to funding this essential renovation programme. The monument is a key feature of the town and it is important we preserve it for future generations."

Town and district councillor and former Mayor of Richmond, John Harris, has been among campaigners pressing for a speedy restoration of one of the town's most prominent landmarks.

He said: "Richmond has often come off second best against Catterick Garrison in recent years. There is no doubt the area needed investment but it could be argued the pendulum has swung too far that way. This news is therefore a welcome boost for Richmond.''

The renovation will include rebuilding the top section of the monument, some stone replacement and general repair work to the structure, built in 1771 by Richmond stone mason Robert Plummer, to replace a medieval market cross.

Coun Harris added: "It will mean some disruption, but I hope the project will also lead to others which will help make the market square more pedestrian-friendly.