A DORSET landmark will be opened to the public this weekend.

Building preservation charity the Landmark Trust will allow visitors inside historic Clavell Tower on the Smedmore Estate, Wareham.

The folly will be open from 10am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday and entry will be free of charge.

It was built by reverend John Richards, who inherited the Smedmore Estate, in 1830. It is unclear why he built the tower, but it has served as a folly and a seamark ever since.

By 2002, the tower stood perilously close to the edge of a crumbling cliff at risk of falling in to the sea.

It was dismantled and re-erected further inland, with the restoration made possible through grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Country Houses Foundation, Dorset County Council, individuals and grant making trusts.

It is now let for short stays for up to two people and its rental income will pay for any future maintenance of the building. For more information about the open days, contact the Landmark Trust on 01628 825925 or email bookings@landmarktrust.org.uk