Extra chance to climb Lord Hill's Column in Shrewsbury

The column, which commemorates Shrewsbury's most famous military commander and stands outside Shirehall, will be open on selected dates from April 4 to October 3.

The friends group says all the money raised from the visits will go towards creating an exact copy of the statue as the original one needs to be replaced.

The group was established to help Shropshire Council raise the £350,000 necessary to create a stone replica of the statue.

Rowland Hill, 1st Viscount Hill, served in the Napoleonic Wars as a trusted brigade, division and corps commander under the command of the Duke of Wellington. He became Commander-in-Chief of the British Army in 1828.

Booking to visit the column must be made in advance as places are limited.

For months last year the landmark was shrouded in scaffolding and plastic sheeting as part of moves to prevent debris falling from Lord Hill's statue on to passers-by while remedial work was carried out.

Richard Hayes, chairman of the Friends of Lord Hill's Column, said: "We are delighted to be able to open the column to the public.

"This will give visitors a rare opportunity to climb the 172 steps of the spiral staircase to enjoy spectacular views over Shropshire and Wales from the platform at the top.

"2015 is the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo and across the country events will be staged to celebrate the final defeat of Napoleon.

"Shropshire can boast a particularly important monument to a hero of the Napoleonic Wars and there has been great interest in our plans.

"Last year tickets sold out and we had to disappoint a lot of people so I urge everyone to book their place quickly."

Tickets to visit the column are £5 per person.