A new bandstand - with a vintage twist - will bring live music, dancing and entertainment back to Victoria Gardens, Portland.

The performance space is being constructed with parts salvaged from the park's original Victorian bandstand, which was built around the time of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.

The old structure was removed during the 1960s after falling into disrepair - the Friends of Victoria Gardens say it is "sadly missed".

But now its ornate railings are being renovated to their former glory, and will grace the stage once more - along with two cast iron pillars from the original bowls pavilion, of the same era.

The Friends group is appealing to the community to help track down one of the 7ft metal railing panels, which has gone missing.

They hope the new stage will be ready in time for Weymouth Concert Brass to play at a Party in the Park event on June 8.

Carrie Dalby, vice chair of Friends of Victoria Gardens, said the stage will be free for use by anyone wishing to give a performance.

"There have been some successful parties in recent years - it's obvious a performance space is required", she added.

"Weymouth Concert Brass enjoy playing there, but the chairs sink into the grass and make it difficult".

The gardens - replete with original pavilion and bandstand - were opened to the public on May 25 1904, as part of Weymouth & Portland's celebrations for the Diamond Jubilee.

The Friends group is now working to raise the estimated £4000 needed for the project, which includes a gazebo-style roof and electricity supply.

Mrs Dalby added that "serious consideration" is being given to proposals to build public toilets at the park.

"Support has been pledged by local branches of Tesco - but further donations from businesses or the public would be welcomed", she said.

Lifetime membership of the Friends of Victoria Gardens costs £5.

For more information contact vice chair Carrie Dalby on 01305 458867 or email victoriagardensnewstage@outlook.com

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Any artist, group or school is welcome to use it free of charge thereafter.

Life membership of the Friends of Victoria Gardens is only £5! For this you will receive regular Newsletters advising of events and volunteering opportunities. For more information, contact Carrie Dalby, Vice Chair, email carriedalby@talktalk.net, or phone 01305 458867.