VISITORS to Dorchester's former brewery were given the chance to step back in time at a special open day.

Developer Brewery Square Ltd and Dorchester Civic Society joined forces yesterday for the open day at the old Eldridge Pope Brewery.

The open day was one of the last opportunities for visitors to see inside the building ahead of plans to redevelop the site.

It was organised as part of the Dorset Architectural Heritage Week which was part of the national English Heritage/Civic Trust Heritage Open Days.

Members of Dorchester Civic Society were on hand during the day to explain about the history of the Weymouth Avenue complex of buildings and tours were given by local experts.

West Dorset District Council is expected to make a decision on proposals for the site later this year.