An iconic town landmark is getting closer to being restored to its former glory thanks to lottery funding.

Gravesend’s 126-year-old clock tower at the end of Harmer Street, has received initial financial support after Gravesham council applied for a Heritage Lottery Fund grant last year.

A lump sum of £4,700 has been awarded to the council so that work can get under way to plan its next application for a full £150,000 grant.

Heritage grants are assessed in two rounds and the first round can often include immediate funding. Detailed proposals are then considered as long as plans are deemed satisfactory.

The clock tower has been standing in a sorry state for years and has become a magnet for street drinkers.

Its stonework is crumbling and there is graffiti across the plinth, all of which blights a handsome landmark in the town centre and an important heritage icon.

Part of the proposed spruce-up would see a new lighting system would be installed to make the monument look more attractive.

As examples, the clock tower would be basked in red and green at Christmas, red and white during St George’s Day, and green on St Patrick’s Day.

The lights would illuminate the whole tower and council bosses hope the system will draw attention to the monument in a positive way.

Commenting on the grant, council leader Cllr John Cubitt said: “This is welcome news which means we can at least start to plan for this focal building to be in good condition for generations to come.”

Local people will be able to see how the project progresses with plans to include an exhibition collection and a digital display of photographs of the clock tower.

There will also be demonstrations with a stonemason and tours of the tower with a local historian.

Stuart McLeod, head of HLF South East, said: “Built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee, Gravesend’s clock tower is a much-loved local landmark.

"Gravesend is one of the areas where we are particularly keen to invest more of the money raised by National Lottery players in heritage projects so we are excited to see these plans develop.”