A NEWLY-repaved viewpoint at iconic Devil's Pulpit high above Tintern was officially opened by Baroness Royall of Blaisdon on Friday.

Work on the section of the Offa's Dyke Path National Trail was necessary because of severe erosion.

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 car park near Tidenham which offers access.

Legend has it that the Devil used to preach from the pulpit – a pillar of limestone – 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 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 original plans for the viewpoint which included a steel, concrete and decking projection above the stone pillar.