The stone's final destination is Stonehenge

The stone was successfully raised to dry land with the help of volunteers.

But efforts to relaunch the operation - which was due to finish in September - were abruptly halted when it was discovered the stone would not fit into a newly-adapted boat.

The �100,000 project, which was launched to trace the footsteps of the creators of Stonehenge 4,000 years ago, was put on hold last month.

But it is now hoped that the stone can continue its journey next May.

The Heritage Lottery Fund, which backed the millenium project, said it still supported the scheme.

Organisers Menter Preseli said they now hope to reach Stonehenge by September 2001 - just a year later than planned.

Ever since the stone began the journey from the Preseli Hills in April it has been plagued by mishaps and there have been calls for the project to be scrapped.