A SYMBOL of Weymouth's historic royal heritage is looking for a new home.

The 17-foot high replica of King George III's bathing machine needs to be housed over the winter months to keep it sheltered from the elements.

The copy was built locally to mark the 200th anniversary of the king's first dip in Weymouth's waters in 1789.

Jacqui Gisborne of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council said: "The king has left his royal mark on Weymouth. He came here for 17 summers and put us firmly on the map as a seaside and leisure resort.

"We are looking to have this piece of heritage displayed back in the town centre by the King's Statue for everyone to enjoy from Easter, but until then we need somewhere under cover for it to be stored."

King George III was plagued by illness that caused blindness and insanity and used a horse-drawn bathing machine throughout his reign to help him use the healing properties of Weymouth's seawater.

It has previously been kept at Weyport Services and the Sea Life Park, but increasing damage and decay means that it needs a new dry home.

It was recently restored by the BBC for a documentary about the life of the king.

Jacqui Gisborne said: "What we'd like is for it to be stored locally. The main problem we have is its height. It cannot be towed up hills, so needs to be fairly close to the town.

"We are proud of our royal heritage in Weymouth. It's a wonderful thing and a great shame that visitors cannot see it and understand its history."

If you would like to help preserve a piece of Weymouth's history, call Jacqui Gisborne at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council on 01305 838383.