Battle to safeguard White Cliffs a success

The trust said it has raised the money needed to buy a stretch of the chalk cliffs just under a mile long nearly two months earlier than expected.

The purchase of the 0.8 miles of land will fill in the missing link in a stretch of coastline almost five miles long owned by the trust on behalf of the nation, from its visitor centre above Dover port to South Foreland lighthouse.

More than 16,000 people and organisations have backed the appeal, which was launched in June and saw an average donation of £40.21, including Gift Aid, from members of the public.

A host of celebrities, including York-born Dame Judi Dench, offered their support.