RESIDENTS are being offered a rare opportunity to visit one of Dorset’s famous landmarks to raise money for a Sherborne church.

The owners of Leweston Water Tower, near Sherborne, are opening their unusual home to the public for the first time ever, in a bid to help nearby St Martin’s Church, Lillington, reach its fundraising target of £80,000.

The tower, built in 1930 to supply water for Leweston Manor, was designed by the same architect as Wembley Stadium and is often thought to be a folly.

It is in fact the home of Patrick and Barbara Firebrace who converted it from a disused water tower to a seven storey house in 2001.

Church warden Mark Ashley Miller said: “It is famous for its helter-skelter staircase which winds one and three quarter times around the outside of the building and down which visitors will be able to walk.

“From the top of the tower it is possible to see for many miles in all directions over the Blackmore Vale and beyond.”

Families will also be able to take part in a quiz about the building and a cow counting competition to be in with a chance of winning a meal for two at The Rose and Crown, Longburton.

For entrance visitors are asked to make a donation in addition tea and cakes which will be on sale. The tower will be open from noon until 6pm on Sunday, June 25, the postcode is DT9 6EW.