FIFTY visitors will be treated to a rare behind-the-scenes tour of Arne Nature Reserve, as the RSPB celebrates a milestone anniversary at the Purbeck site.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is marking the 50th anniversary of looking after the Arne reserve.

RSPB spokesman Morwenna Alldis explained: "The RSPB team is inviting fifty lucky visitors - one for each year that the RSPB has managed Arne - to join them for a day of celebration.

"Attendees will be treated to a guide walk with exclusive access to parts of the nature reserve typically not open to the public."

Arne is home to an array of wildlife including nesting Dartford warblers, nightjars and 22 different species of dragonfly.

After the guided tour, which will include special guest RSPB conservation director Martin Harper, there will be a buffet lunch followed by further talks and a birthday cake.

RSPB Arne information officer Luke Phillips said: "We are really privileged to have been able to look after Arne Nature Reserve for the last fifty years and we want to celebrate this special occasion with some of the people whose support has enabled us to manage Arne for the last half century - namely, the public."

Booking for the special event, set for 11am-3pm, Saturday, September 19, is essential as places are obviously limited.

Tickets cost £20 per person. Call the RSPB Arne nature Reserve office on 01929 553360.