With 10 days to go before the deadline, the National Trust said the amount pledged in donations has reached the �4.16m mark.

The announcement was made by the Oscar-winning actor and President of the National Trust Snowdonia Appeal, Sir Anthony Hopkins.

The Silence of the Lambs star kick-started the appeal in August with a �1m donation.

Sir Anthony Hopkins: "Snowdon is saved in perpetuity for the nation"

Other stars joined the appeal with South Wales band Stereophonics playing a charity concert in aid of the fund. Prince Charles was also said to have made a substantial personal donation.

Sir Anthony said: "I am very pleased to announce that the appeal has reached its target which means that Snowdon can be saved in perpetuity for the nation.

"I want to thank everyone who has been able to make a gift to the appeal. Thank you all for your tremendous support.

"We still need to care for this magnificent environment so please continue to support the Snowdonia Appeal."

'Send money now'

Laurie Gardner, the National Trust fundraiser responsible for co-ordinating the appeal, said: "To have raised such a large amount of money at such short notice and within our 100-day deadline is a magnificent achievement. We estimate that over a quarter of a million people will have made a donation.

"We all urge all those who have pledged their support or who are currently thinking about making a donation, or holding collection moneys, to send their money now."

The land includes one-third of the summit of Wales' highest peak and Cnicht - known locally as the Welsh Matterhorn.

Lord Elis-Thomas: Snowdon is a special place in terms of world's environment

Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, vice president of the Snowdonia appeal, said: "This campaign has shown how important Snowdon is to so many people.

"The people of Wales and elsewhere have demonstrated their determination that this symbol of Wales will be protected for future generations and that the balance between agriculture, access and conservation will be maintained forever."

In addition to the donation from Sir Anthony Hopkins, the Chris Brasher Trust pledged its entire year's income to the Save Snowdon appeal guaranteeing at least �200,000.