AN AMBITIOUS Government-funded project to repair a path around an ancient monument in the Malvern Hills has been unveiled.

The Malvern Hills Conservators - who manage the slopes - have announced the scheme, which involves reinstating an original zig-zag path on the southern side of British Camp.

It follows a study carried out by consultants Arthur Amos Associates, on the options for repairing and improving the existing path on the southern slopes of British Camp.

In examining the problems with the path, it became apparent there was an original track - which will also be strengthened with stone pitching and flagstones.

Stone will also have to be found from elsewhere as Malvern stone cannot be used because it is too slippery when wet.

The current path has become badly eroded and has encouraged walkers to walk on the grass verges on either side.

The camp itself is a scheduled ancient monument and comprises an Iron Age village settlement.

The ramparts in the centre are believed to have been built by the invading Normans between the late 11th Century and early 12th Century.

The cash for the project has come from the Government's Liveability Fund - designed to help improve park and open spaces.

The cost of the scheme has not been revealed as it yet to go out to tender.

Conservators' director Ian Rowat, said path-laying techniques used in the Lake District and Yorkshire would be adopted and English Heritage would monitor the work.

He added that he hoped construction would start in January - although the Eastnor Estate which owns the land English Heritage, English Nature and the Malvern Hills AONB group would first have to give the project the final seal of approval.

"It's a good opportunity to look at this ancient monument again, which has been around for thousands of years," he said.

"If we can upgrade the paths it'll stop the erosion of the rest of the camp to a certain extent."

The Malvern Hills attracts about 1.25m visitors a year, with British Camp one of its most popular destinations.

Mr Rowat estimated more than 250,000 people visit the monument alone.