Heritage campaigners in Hampshire have launched a plea to save a unique railway viaduct.

The Hockley Viaduct, built in the late 19th century, is believed to be one of the first made with a concrete core.

It played a vital role in the build-up to D-Day when 16,000 military trains carried supplies to Southampton.

The Friends of Hockley Viaduct group is making a second attempt to have the structure listed by the government, as previously reported in the Daily Echo.

If successful, they would be eligible to apply for substantial grants to repair the structure, which runs parallel with the M3 near Twyford Down.

A similar bid made several years ago was turned down.

This time campaigners are asking people to help by writing to the government bosses responsible and stating why it should be saved from falling into further disrepair.

Leading campaigner Chris Webb, of Southgate Street, said: "Every individual letter that is sent over the next few weeks will aid the decision-making progress of getting it listed.

"I would urge everybody to write in support of preserving this unique part of our heritage."

The viaduct, 2,024ft long with 33 arches, was built in 1891 to carry the Didcot, Newbury and Southampton Railway.

But it has stood dormant since it closed in the mid-1960s.

The structure belongs to Winchester City Council and if it is not listed, taxpayers could be left to foot expensive repair bills.

Mr Webb added: "It must be seen by thousands of people every day and at the moment it is not a good advertisement for Winchester or Hampshire."

The Friends submitted their application to listing bosses at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport at the beginning of July.

They are expecting a decision in the next few months after English Heritage has been consulted.

Almost 80 people attended a recent meeting to hear about the progress of the application.

Letters of support should be sent to The Listing Team, The Department ofCulture, Media and Sport, 2-4 Cockspur Street, London, SW1Y 5DH.