Ever wondered what the view must be like from the top of the Clock Tower? Well today I was lucky enough to get a guided tour to the top while repairs are being carried out.

Scaffolding has been erected around the grade-II listed landmark, which was first constructed out of Portland Stone in 1837.

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Earlier this year a project to restore it to its former glory won £250,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with a further £100,000 being donated by Canterbury City Council for community projects.

Climbing up on the narrow ladders and dusty scaffold boards was not easy, especially for anyone with a fear of heights or those with a bad choice of footwear.

But the view from the top was stunning. The calm sea rolled gently onto the shores, and in every direction you looked there was an eye-opener.

In a panoramic view you could see the majesty of the Reculver Towers, the proud Herne windmill, the Memorial Park and town centre, and the pier looking down to Hampton and beyond.

Eighty feet below people went about their business, with people taking a stroll along the promenade, and school children visiting buildings on the seafront.

Work to repair the icon is being carried out by contractors Stonewest. Project manager Peter O’Sullivan said: “We hope the scaffolding will come down in November, with some final work to be done to the steps at the bottom in December.

“It’s a prestige job. We’ve worked on historical sites in London and on the Pavilion in Brighton.”

Inside the structure he explained that columns have been replaced with new stone masonry, while beautifully carved stonework will have netting added to make sure any falling pieces won’t hit the ground.

He added: “With the clock face restoration we will have new glass behind it. All the digits and points will be gilded in gold leaf, as well as the Roman numerals. We’re just completing the restoration of the metal work at the moment.”

Canterbury City Council’s project manager Patrick Rynne hopes the refurbished tower will be the catalyst for regenerating Herne Bay.

He said: “We want to deliver a whole series of events next summer, and hopefully over the winter too. It would be great to open it in time for New Year’s Eve.

“We are still trying to get as many volunteers as possible. There are currently 40 people who can help, but we need more.

“The council can help with training and pay expenses to people, but the only way it will be sustainable is if people get involved and take it on as theirs.”

The Friends of Herne Bay Clock Tower have set up a new community centre next door to the Saxon Shore.

Video: The view from the top of the Clock Tower

If you’d like to be involved with them you can email: info@clocktowerfriends.org . For more information please visit www.clocktowerfriends.org.