AN MP has pledged his support for a community drive to raise £1 million to return a famous landmark to its former glory.

John Hutton, member of parliament for Barrow and Furness, visited Ulverston to give his official backing to the campaign to repair Sir John Barrow Monument, which overlooks the town from the top of Hoad Hill.

It is hoped 90 per cent of the funding could be provided by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, meaning £100,000 would have to be provided from other sources to repair the grade II * (star) listed building. So far, the Friends of Sir John Barrow Monument has raised about £20,000 towards this.

Colin Hodgson, chairman of the Ulverston Partnership Group, which is leading the fund raising alongside the Friends and the town council, said: "Mr Hutton's support will help raise the profile of what we are trying to do, and we are very grateful to him."

The monument, widely regarded as the icon of Ulverston, has been closed to the public since 2004 because of fears for safety.

For more information on the campaign, and to donate money, visit www.sirjohnbarrow monument.co.uk