THIS year promises to be an exciting time in the history of Castle Drogo — and the National Trust is on the lookout for people to take part.

After receiving funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and European grant Interreg, work has started on a four-year major building project to save the iconic building from wind and rain damage.

The castle will stay open for the entire project and the mammoth task of erecting the huge scaffolding structure over the southern half of the building has now begun. The scaffolding will be one of the largest structures on Dartmoor.

The carefully designed Scandinavian HAKI system, which is quicker to erect than traditional scaffolding, is designed to be able to withstand extreme weather, while protecting the building as the work progresses. The massive buttresses will hold the temporary roof in place and withstand huge wind loads.

What the castle needs now is more volunteers to help tell its story.

There are lots of opportunities for people to get involved, from room guiding and conservation cleaning to car parking and managing the estate.

The latest opportunity is to run the scaffold viewing tower. A platform is being erected within the scaffolding for visitors to be able safely to get to roof level for a bird's eye view of the incredible work taking place.

The charity is dependent on volunteers who generously give their time to help run properties like Castle Drogo.

Tim Cambourne, senior project manager, said: 'Castle Drogo is such a fascinating property and this is a great time to be involved. We are starting one of the most ambitious conservation projects the National Trust has ever embarked on but we need volunteers to help us bring this project alive.

'The next four years will be hard work, and a period of great change, the result will be to save the castle so it can be enjoyed by generations to come.'

Volunteers do not need any prior knowledge of the property as all necessary information, training and full support is provided.

'Travelling expenses are reimbursed and volunteers get the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and go out for trips and meals.

For more about the opportunities at Castle Drogo, contact Sarah Lawrence, volunteer development officer, on 01647 434114 or email [email protected]">[email protected]