Rain coming down chimney

[LeadFarmer]

Ive removed my gas fire and fireplace, and will probably be plastering inside the fireplace and leaving it empty, don't need a fire in there.

Anyway, after sticking my head up the flue I see it goes pretty much straight up so I can see the sky through the chimney pot. I get the occasional drip on the hearth when it rains.

Whats the best way of sorting this out, do I just need a new cowl with rain cover?
Should I also fit a register plate to prevent any debris falling down.
Should I maintain airflow in the chimney to prevent damp?

Heres my chimney and cowl/pot (its the front chimney stack I'm referring to)...

Inside the chimney...

 

[Burnerman]

Its always a good idea to let a chimney ventilate.....a cowl with a rain and bird cap would work well. A register plate would minimise draughts too - and you could put a vent grille in it as well.
John

 

[LeadFarmer]

So maybe add something like this to my chimney pot?.....

 

[Burnerman]

Yes, that's the sort of thing.....metal legs down the inside, and a large jubilee clip on the outside to hold it on.
John