AN APPEAL for stones to be found to held restore an ancient landmark near Guisborough has met an immediate response.

After a report in the D&S Times on July 9, Guisborough and Great Ayton Rotary Club received information about two marker stones relating to the Six Stoups monument, which stood by the roadside at the top of Birk Brow on the A171.

The also group hopes to find six old stone gate pillars, measuring 5-6ft long and 12-15in square, in order to recreate the landmark.

Retired farmer Ralph Dalton, from the Stangow area, contacted the group to let it know the location of the remains of one of the original stones, which could be about 300 years old.

Mr Dalton has lived in the area all his life and remembers walking to the stones in his youth. He said: "The six stone pillars stood three either side of the road to mark the safe track where the old moor road crossed a stretch of bog and a drainage channel."

Peter Sotheran, from the Rotary club, said the group was pleased to find the original stone, though it had been worn down over time and was too small to be used in the reconstruction.

It also appeared to have been recently damaged by a mowing machine trimming the grass.

Fortunately, the club was also contacted by a family in Fryupdale who offered them a suitable stone gate pillar of the right size.

Mr Sotheran said: "The appeal only appeared a couple of weeks ago, so to have two responses already is wonderful.

"We now feel like we've made a start and hope the momentum continues from here with even more offers."

Anyone able to help is asked to contact him on 01642 471662 or 07989 759430, or Stuart Ramsdale on 01287 612350.