COUNCILLORS and local businesses have rallied together to support the launch of a campaign to reconnect Shanklin Old Village water fountain on its 150th anniversary.

Shanklin town cllr Sarah James said: "By supplying free water to residents and visitors, we will positively promote the re-use of plastic bottles as as well as protect a feature of historic importance."

In the summer of 1868, the well-known American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow stayed in the town and wrote the following poem:

'O traveller, stay thy weary feet; Drink of this fountain pure and sweet;

It flows for rich and poor the same.

Then go thy way, remembering still; The wayside well beneath the hill,

The cup of water in his name.'

Longfellow donated the poem to the town 150 years ago, so the launch of the fountain, which will have the poem inscribed on it, will mark this special anniversary as well.

Mark Watson, who designed history cards for the campaign launch, said: "The History of the Fountain highlights the importance the village placed on the fountain and the prominence of the Crab and Pencil Cottage."

Shanklin Voluntary Youth Centre fundraised to fund 'memory cards' which will be sold locally to help fund the restoration of the inscription and reconnection of the fountain.

Mayoress Esther Knight said: "Following the town's renovation of the war memorial, installation of commemorative benches and the renewal of the town clock and chimes, it would be a great welcome for visitors to our iconic Old Village."