A NEWLY-restored viewpoint at the Devil's Pulpit, earlier plans for which were scuppered by alarmed planners, is to be officially reopened this Friday (September 23).

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon will be launching the viewpoint on the Offa's Dyke Path National Trail high above Tintern Abbey on the English side of the River Wye.

Recent successful conservation works mean that this much loved viewpoint, which offers the most spectacular view over Tintern, will continue to be enjoyed by walkers along the route.

Erosion of the route had become extreme so a programme of selected tree removal, path-edging and building up the levels of the path had to be carried out. New signage and visitor interpretation has also been completed at 'The Park' car park.

Legend has it that the Devil used to preach from the pulpit trying to seduce the Abbey's monks into denouncing their Christian beliefs.

The conservation work has taken place during the year which marks the 40th anniversary of the designation of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the 40th anniversary of the Offa's Dyke Path National Trail.

It is part of the Overlooking the Wye Landscape Partnership Scheme, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and managed through the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership.

Funding partners included the Forestry Commission, English Heritage, Gloucestershire County Council, Natural England, Offa's Dyke Path National Trail, Heritage Lottery Fund, Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the local landowner.

Changes had to be made to oiginal plans for the viewpoint which included a steel, concrete and decking projection above the landmark's stone pillar.