Vital work to restore the Isle of Wight’s iconic Appley Tower to its former glory gets underway this month.

The Ryde landmark has been guaranteed a safe future thanks to a Heritage Lottery grant.

For a time, there will be restricted access to the area surrounding the Tower, but the work will also create opportunities for students to visit and learn about heritage building restoration.

Natural Enterprise, working in partnership with Ryde Town and Isle of Wight Councils, secured the funding to ensure the much-loved building can be enjoyed by Islanders and holidaymakers for years to come.

Brian Friend, Natural Enterprise chair, said, “We are delighted to be moving to the next stage to see the Tower reopen in 2024.

“We are also pleased to be able to provide students with the chance to benefit from the work being undertaken.”

It is anticipated that the restorations will be complete by next June when Monkton Arts will open an art gallery and offer free access to the top of the Tower.