Campaigners close to saving iconic Hollywood sign

London, Apr 14 (ANI): A conservation group is close to accomplishing its mission of saving the Hollywood sign, as it is nearing the 12.5 million dollars it needs to secure the future of the iconic monument. he world famous sign was created in 1923 and originally read "Hollywoodland."

The 450ft-long sign stands on land overlooking Los Angeles that was put on the market two years ago and there were fears it could be bought by developers who would build luxury homes on it.

Then, the non-profit Public Trust For Lands group launched a campaign to buy the rugged 138-acre area known as Cahuenga Peak, and secured a deadline of April 14 to raise the money.

But, on the eve of the deadline it did not reveal whether the figure had been reached but said an announcement would be made tomorrow.

And it was only a few days ago that the amount raised was 2.8 million dollars short of the total needed and a last minute fundraising drive was launched.

"We don't have it in the bag, but I think we are going to make it," the Telegraph quoted Rosemary Carroll, regional development director for the trust, as saying.

In February the group secured permission to cover the sign with a giant shroud that read "Save The Peak" to publicise its campaign.

So far donations to the campaign includes 1 million dollars from jeweller Tiffany and Co. (ANI)