The appeal needs �1.7m to secure a new caf� for Snowdon

The life peer Lord Snowdon made an impromptu visit to inspect the summit site where a planned new visitor centre will be built.

Campaigners are currently trying to raise the last �1.7m which will enable the replacement building to go ahead.

Lord Snowdon, who was born locally, has the freedom of the Snowdon Mountain Railway, which he is to on the trip.

Railway managers said Lord Snowdon was give the VIP treatment at the Llanberis-based attraction during the two-and-a-half hour round trip to the summit.

His visit came as the new cafe appeal has been given more time to raise money.

A spokesman said: "He really enjoyed it, even though the weather was a bit poor. The clouds came in just as he got there."

Around 350,000 people visit Snowdon each year, but its 70-year-old summit cafe is seen as outdated, and was once famously called "a slum" by Prince Charles.

The old concrete caf� was called a 'slum' by Prince Charles

Snowdonia Summit Appeal Campaign has collected �7.3m from the public and private sector but needs another �1.7m.

Welsh European Funding Office (Wefo) set a deadline of 30 June 2005 but has now extended it to 30 September.

The replacement building for the current cafe would also include a visitor centre and new Snowdon Mountain Railway terminus.

The appeal campaign is a partnership between the Snowdonia National Park Authority and the Snowdonia Society.

Lord Snowdon was born Antony Armstrong-Jones. His family seat was Plas Dinas in Bontnewydd near Caernarfon.