TWO giant standing stones, known as the Cove, are now accessible to the public for the first time in 300 years.

The megaliths are part of Avebury stone circle and have been roped off from the public because they developed a lean, which was believed to be dangerous.

English Heritage and the National Trust have now completed work to make the stones safe.

The smaller of the pair, measuring 16 feet above ground and five feet below, has now been straightened.

Excavations at the larger of the two stones have revealed that, although it is leaning, it does not need to be straightened.

This is because it goes far deeper into the ground than originally thought it measures 14-feet above ground and up to 10-feet below.

The stone is now thought to be one of the heaviest standing stones in the UK weighing over 100 tons.

Archaeologists decided the stone was in no danger of falling over and both stones have been fixed in place with lime concrete.

Avebury is one of the most important megalithic monuments in Europe and part of the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site.

The great stone circle, encompassing part of the village of Avebury, is approached by an avenue of stones.

The stone circle is open to members of public free of charge throughout the year.