AS work gets underway to demolish the radio towers at Rampisham Down on the A356 Maiden Newton to Crewkerne road, we were delighted to hear from reader Ann Tuck.

Ann got in touch with some memories of her father's time as builder of and chief rigger of those iconic masts which can be seen from miles around.

The telecommunications towers were used to help broadcast the BBC World Service in Europe and just one of the towers will be saved from demolition. It will become a nesting platform for peregrine falcons.

British Solar Renewables (BSR) is building a solar park on a site nearby and is working with Natural England to restore the transmitter station and make it a home for wildlife.

The future of the former telecommunication station buildings remains under discussion with various commercial and residential uses under consideration, subject to planning.

Mrs Tuck, aged 83, of Dorchester, said her dad Fred Reynolds, originally from Daventry, would have been quite upset to hear the news that the towers are being pulled down.

She said: "He would have been quite upset to hear the news. I remember he used to cycle to work there from Dorchester. There were three others who worked with him and dad was the chief rigger and helped build the towers.

"On Christmas Day we would have our lunch at teatime because he would spend from 7am to 3pm at Rampisham Down making sure the lines were working and people could cook their Christmas dinners.

"He especially had to make sure that everything work work for when the Queen's speech was broadcast at 3pm.

"When he used to climb up the towers carrying his spanner he would have to wear his wellies for safety."

Mrs Tuck remembers Fred Reynolds working with a Sam and a David.

She said her father retired 65 years ago in 1952 and passed away on May 17 1975. The final broadcast from BBC Rampisham Down came six years ago.

Mrs Tuck added: "My dad came down to Dorset from Daventry to work and I remember coming down to join him when I was five the day after Coventry was bombed.

"I remember how proud my dad was of his job and that he was very active in the community and would help raise money for the village hall. He ran the youth club and loved his skittling.

*Thanks to Ann Tuck for these wonderful memories as the west Dorset skyline changes.