The National Trust is taking over Wellington's Pop-up Shop on Fore Street this week to recruit volunteers to tend the Wellington Monument.

Peter Fear, a National Trust volunteer and liaison between prospective volunteers and the Trust told the Wellington Weekly that a further 6 volunteers are wanted to assist with visits to the Monument.

Mr Fear said: "The shifts are from 10 am to 1 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm with 2 volunteers per shift.  Each month we circulate to the volunteers the shifts for the following  month and the volunteers indicate what dates they are not available and dates that they can attend. 

They are not committed to a set shift pattern or hours per month. As a group we work together to cover the shifts, but if a volunteer isn't available, for say a month, that's fine."

The shop will be open from Thursday until Saturday, from 10am to 4pm. Members of the team will be staffing the store to answer questions potential volunteers may have.

The Wellington Monument was erected in the 1820s to mark the Duke of Wellington's victory over Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo. It is situated atop Wellington Hill on the edge of the Blackdown Hills.

The Wellington Monument was lit up for New Year
The Wellington Monument as seen at New Year (National Trust)

In the 1840s the monument was damaged by lightning strikes, and declared a danger to the public. It was rebuilt - but had again by 1892 fallen into disrepair.

The National Trust took stewardship of the monument in 1934 and have been looking after it ever since.

Today, volunteers help to keep the popular tourist attraction up and running so that members of the public can continue to enjoy it.

But the National Trust says more volunteers are needed. To get involved, visit the Pop up Shop Thursday through Saturday or contact James McWilliam by email.

Alternatively contact The National Trust at Fyne Court by post at Fyne Court, Bridgwater TA5 2EH or by phone - 01823 451 587.