Navy helicopter hovers over Glastonbury Tor

A Merlin helicopter was drafted in to carry huge bags of stones to the top of the Glastonbury Tor. Credit: ITV West Country

There was an unusual sight at one of Somerset's most famous landmarks today.

A Merlin helicopter was drafted in to carry huge bags of stones to the top of the Glastonbury Tor.

The helicopter lifted 40 tonnes of aggregate to the top of Glastonbury Tor, in order to repair erosion.

The work has been organised by the National Trust, who hope the protective measures will last a number of years.

The erosion is said to have been caused by the thousands of visitors to the hill.

It is a 518ft climb to the top of the Glastonbury Tor, making repair work difficult without help.

The helicopter delivered 40 tonnes of aggregate to the top of the Tor. Credit: ITV West Country

Having been used in operations all over the world, this was a nearby job for the Merlin based at RNAS Yeovilton.

But they say it was still a complex operation.

Today's work is aimed at ensuring the Tor is accessible to people for years to come.