A FUNDRAISING appeal to 'save Castle Drogo' has passed the £1-million mark.

The castle has suffered major structural problems ever since it was built, which have resulted in serious leaks and water penetration throughout the building. If extensive conservation is not undertaken, the castle will become inaccessible and the beautiful National Trust property will be lost.

Caroline Danks, fundraising manager for the National Trust said: 'We are thrilled to announce that just over £1-million has now been raised towards our target of £1.5-million and will go a huge way in ensuring this national treasure is not lost forever.

'We have been overwhelmed by the huge level of interest and support that has come our way, England's last castle is obviously held very dearly in people's hearts. 

'Particular thanks must go to local residents and visitors who made onsite donations and very generous donations from the local National Trust centres and associations.

'We have also had very generous gifts from major donors, Charitable Trusts and Grants, including a £50k donation from the Headley Trust, one of the Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts.'

The full cost of the conservation project will be £11-million over five years and includes a £2.5-million grant application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to reach the target.

In November 2010, the HLF awarded a first-round pass for Castle Drogo's application. The trust is now awaiting the result of the second stage of the HLF application process.

Drogo is the last castle to have been built in Britain, between 1911 and 1931 for Julius Drewe, a food retailing magnate.

Designed by the renowned architect Edwin Lutyens, the interior offered the ultimate in modern living and convenience.

The repair works will be a gargantuan task. In order to install the new roof system, 2,355 granite blocks weighing 680 tonnes will have to be removed and then returned. In addition, 913 windows containing more than 13,000 panes will be refurbished to stop them leaking, and over 60,000 metres of pointing will need to be replaced.

Plans also include the renovation of the massive flat roof structure using cutting-edge materials to make it permanently watertight. Work is expected to begin in January 2013.

A key aim of the project will be the involvement of local people. There will be opportunities for learning new skills such as masonry, joinery and pointing and exciting ways for volunteers to take part in their local heritage.

The future of the castle will also include new learning and exhibition spaces and opportunities to explore the garden and the estate's extensive grounds.

To support the campaign to save Castle Drogo visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/savedrogo">www.nationaltrust.org.uk/savedrogo

You can also make a donation direct to the appeal by texting DROG11 followed by the amount you would like to give (so DROG11 5 to give £5) to 70070.