WORK on preserving Monmouth’s ancient bridge and gatehouse will start next month after funding was secured.

The work will help maintain the unique feature - which 20,000 gathered around last Friday to see the Olympic torch enter Wales and the border town.

Monnow Bridge is the only medieval fortified river bridge in Great Britain and while it dates from around 1272, it is believed it was constructed on top of a wooden bridge dating from around 1123.

Because of limited money being available over the last few years, only priority work has taken place on the structure.

But, after securing £91,000 of Welsh Government and European Union cash, Monmouthshire Council will begin a 16-week repair and improvement project on June 11.

ALD Plant Hire has been contracted to undertake the work which will include structural repairs, installing anchors to the structure, removing vegetation and repairing stonework.

As well as these external works, improvements will also be carried out inside the gatehouse such as introducing lighting to improve safety and accessibility on open days.

Monmouthshire Council’s special projects manager Colin Phillips said the local authority is also planning to tender for work to produce and install an interpretation display inside the gatehouse.

He said: "The interpretation will enable visitors to fully understand the role the medieval gatehouse has played, and how it has changed in character through the ages."

Mr Phillips said the work will "ensure that the scheduled ancient monument is available for future generations to explore and learn about the history and significance of this unique structure".

The restoration project has received funding through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.