Work has begun on a £50,000 restoration of Maryport's iconic lighthouse.

Scaffolding has been erected for the work on the cast-iron structure, which is expected to take three weeks to complete.

Work will include bringing the light back into working order to shine across the town.

It is not yet known how often it will be lit.

The structure, which is one of only a handful of its kind left in the world today, will also be repaired and repainted.

Maryport Maritime Museum is helping with research and children will contribute to a leaflet outlining the history of the lighthouse, which dates back to the mid 1800s.

The funding, awarded to the Love Maryport Town Team by the Coastal Revival Fund, will also allow for information boards to be placed at the site.

Maryport town centre manager Toni Magean said the renovated lighthouse would be another visitor attraction for the town.

He added: "I am grateful to Debra Coles, a former town team member, who helped with the application for the money. I think this is going to be something really special for the town."

Love Maryport chairwoman Debbie Wright said it was exciting to see the work being done.

She added: "Having the light beaming for special events will lend a real sense of occasion to whatever we are doing. I can't wait to see it finished."