AFTER walking more than 150 miles in just eight days to raise funds for the restoration of the Wellington Monument, Nancy Powell-Brace was back in the town on Sunday.

A large group of friends, supporters, many from Wellington Arts Association, members of her family and Wellington Mayor Gary James and his wife Bee greeted her with a rousing fanfare and songs outside St John’s Church in the morning.

The National Trust’s Community Fundraising and Engagement Officer, Emma Jones, presented her with a bouquet before Nancy, the Mayor and the whole ensemble headed for the final leg of the walk from the town to the Monument.

She said she felt “Brilliant! It’s great. The best bit is here, seeing the Monument today. It’s made me feel quite emotional!”

Nancy has raised just under £5,000 – at the moment but donations can still be made at Odette’s Tea Room in Wellington, High Street, which she co-owns with her business partner Victoria Osborne.

Local businesses and companies have provided sponsorship in the form of equipment and paid for overnight accommodation during her walk.