The lighthouse is near Millom

The structure at Haverigg in Cumbria is 100 years old and has fallen into disrepair.

But, after six years of waiting by local people, money is finally coming from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Work on the lighthouse, which once helped protect the old Hodbarrow iron-ore mines, will include repairs to the structure, a new dome being made for the top and a new marker light installed.

The Haverigg Lighthouse Committee has been fighting to restore the structure with the backing of Haverigg Primary School, which adopted the lighthouse as it's logo.

'Absolutely brilliant'

Janice Brockbank, head teacher at the school, is happy that one of the last remaining relics on the Hodbarrow site is getting financial aid at last.

She said: "We've been very patient because we've waited six years for this.

"Now we've got it, it's absolutely brilliant. It just goes to show that patience is a virtue. I'm glad we never gave up and we're delighted."

It was planned to be finished in time for the millennium but lack of funds meant it had to be put on hold.

Work is expected to start in early June.

Roy Dawson, chairman of the Haverigg Lighthouse Committee, said: "The main thing about this is to have the paintwork done properly to prevent further maintenance.

"Once work has started, weather or anything else must not stop it until it reaches it's conclusion. Otherwise we'll just be going backwards."