AN AMBITIOUS project to transform the village of Castletown on Portland has already received "tremendous support", according to the people behind it.

The Echo revealed last year that plans were in place to rejuvenate Castletown with new tourist attractions and business facilities as a key part of the work of the Portland Community Partnership (PCP) Economic Vision Board.

The development is masterminded by Nemesis Properties owner Derek Luckhurst, who also owns care provider Agincare, based in Castletown.

Work is underway on the Crabbers Wharf development, which will feature industrial units and holiday apartments.

The revamped Castletown will also include museums and an underwater experience.

Mr Luckhurst said: "After two years of planning, design and preparation, facets of the total Castletown regeneration project are now coming together.

"I would like to acknowledge the tremendous support I have received from Portland Port, the borough council and the local population in achieving what has been achieved."

Raina Summerson, interim chairman of the PCP Economic Vision Board and Agincare CEO, said: "If we can embrace this, we have a really good chance of making Portland even more special than it already is."

As part of the revamp, a museum commemorating Castletown's significance for American forces in the Second World War set to open this summer.

Portland Port served as a major embarkation point for American forces, with troops leaving the port en route to Omaha Beach.

The museum, run by D-Day Dorset Ltd will exhibit a collection of vintage vehicles, including a Jeep and a Sherman tank.

Stephen George, managing director of D-Day Dorset, said: "It is about promoting awareness of the heritage of the local area.

"I think it will attract a lot of visitors to Portland and I think people are becoming more inquisitive and want to know more about the history."