HUNDREDS of roof slates signed by members of the public will form part of the new roof of a historic Hampshire landmark.

Royal Victoria Country Park in Netley was once the site of the world's largest military hospital, but now only the chapel remains.

The Victorian-era building is undergoing a multi-million pound renovation and over the last two weekends of July, the public had the chance to make their mark and "sponsor a slate" for a donation.

More than 900 slates were decorated, raising £6,600 for the Friends of Royal Victoria Country Park.

The money will add to the group's fundraising target of £30,000 to support the restoration.

David Stubbington of Elliotts Premier Roofing, the company laying the slates, said: “As one of the oldest firms in Southampton, it’s been a privilege for us to work with other local organisations to restore this iconic chapel.”

Councillor Andrew Gibson, the county council’s member for culture, recreation and countryside, said: “The chapel is a well-loved local landmark – the only remaining part of the world’s largest military hospital at the time, which was a personal project for Queen Victoria.

“Sponsoring a roof slate is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to leave your mark, and be part of the park’s history.

“ We’ve received messages from as far a field as Australia, from the families of former hospital patients, asking for the names of their loved ones to be recorded on the roof slates. “ It’s nice to think that when these decorated slates are removed or replaced in years to come, that a personal story or message is rediscovered by future generations.”

Built with 30 million red bricks, from 1856 to 1863, the hospital could care for up to 1,000 troops from across the British Empire during both World Wars.

But after the Second World War the hospital fell into decline and was demolished after a major fire in 1963 destroyed large parts of the building.

The conservation work includes the replacement of the original hand-painted glass windows that have been broken and vandalised.

New staircases and an accessible lift will be installed to significantly improve the limited public access.

Following these works, an exhibition will be created in the main body of the chapel to tell the story of the former hospital, from its beginnings in the 1850s, through the Boer War, and both World Wars.

The chapel will re-open in summer 2018.