Mendip District Council has contributed £5,000 towards the restoration of an important historic monument.

The James Allen obelisk in Shepton Mallet Cemetery, was crumbling, in disrepair and needed urgent attention.

The new-look memorial, which stands 3m tall, was unveiled at a special ceremony during this weekend's annual Snowdrop Festival.

Guest, Cllr Ros Wyke, Leader of Mendip District Council said: "It was an honour to be invited to the obelisk unveiling ceremony. I'm proud that Mendip was able to help preserve this important monument for Shepton Mallet for future generations to enjoy."

The James Allen Family Memorial is an important part of the town's heritage, which honours the life and works of the world-famous horticulturalist, who bred speciality snowdrops.

Work to restore the 116-year-old monument was carried out by local stone mason, Sam Lee of SK Conservation, who specialises in carving, fixing and building conservation, Amelia Crowley-Roth, wood carver and Andy James who engraved the lettering on the obelisk.

The monument was unveiled by Dan Pearson, Snowdrop Festival Patron and committee member. Among the guests were, Her Majesty's Deputy Lieutenant for Somerset, Tim Allen, Dr Tim Upson from Royal Horticultural Society, Christina Kennedy, Chair of the Snowdrop Festival and representatives from Mendip District Council, including the Council Leader.

As well as Mendip's contributions, the following organisations kindly made donations which enabled the engraving, signwriting and unveiling of the obelisk: Shepton Mallet Town Council; The Community Bookshop; C G Fry & Sons and The Duchy of Cornwall; Amanda and Ian Keys; Jane Harris; Simon Edwards and Dominic Weston; and Shepton Snowdrops Community Interest Company.

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