TWO stone pillars are set to give an imposing welcome to Portland for motorists driving to the island.

A design for a pair of 20-foot towers has been produced and organisers now hope the Jubilee Gateway, costing around £5,500, will be in place by the end of February next year.

The pillars are to be made from Portland Stone but the final location has not yet been decided, although they will be placed on the causeway linking Weymouth and Portland.

Coun Sandra McGown, who has led a steering committee looking at the project, said five sites had been identified following discussions with Weymouth and Portland Borough Council planning chief Richard Burgess.

"I felt Portland ought to have something officially recognising the Queen's Golden Jubilee. A number of other places around the county have gateways and it will look excellent once it is finished," she said today.

She added that it was hoped the gateway would be sited near to the current 'Welcome to Portland' sign at Ferrybridge, however its location will not be finalised until various details relating to foundations are known.

Details of the columns, each weighing between six and seven tonnes, were discussed at Portland Town Council this week, where members backed an appeal for financial support.

Councillors were told that a time capsule would be placed underneath each column and a nameplate of donors would also be engraved.

Mrs McGown added that they were more than half way towards finding the £5,500 needed for the gateway, after local freemasons pledged to give a minimum of £1,500 towards the cost.

She said that in return they would receive the use of one of the time capsules with the other being used by local schoolchildren.

Town councillors unanimously backed a motion that the council initially donates £500 towards the gateway.

They also agreed to submit and gain planning permission for the gateway, maintain and pay for it and also help it become a listed monument.

Coun Valerie Durston said while she was fully supportive of the gateway scheme, she felt it was important the town council record that it would be their responsibility.

"I would like to see this well and truly documented so that in many years' time people know that the gateway belongs to Portland Town Council," she said.