A HOTEL is set to mark a landmark anniversary – and it needs help to celebrate.

The Riviera at Bowleaze will mark its 80th anniversary next year and an exhibition telling the life of the art deco listed building is planned.

Organisers are appealing to anyone who may have items of interest to come forward.

The Riviera has had a varied history, having served as a holiday camp, wartime hospital and hotel. It was also used as an evacuation centre for Portlanders following the discovery of an exploded bomb on the island in 1995.

Phil Stanfield, from the Riviera, said: “It’s amazing to think the building has been here for almost 80 years now, and that’s too big a landmark not to celebrate.

“We have lots of events planned for next year but one thing we are working on now is an exhibition telling the life and times of the hotel.

“For this we need exhibits and so we are appealing to the public for help. We are after anything related to the Riviera that people would be happy for us to borrow and put on display for a period of time.

“Items we are after are any Pontins staff uniforms from back in the day, photos, postcards, badges, menus – in fact anything related to the hotel that you think would be of interest. And that also includes quirky stories and tales about the place.”

The Riviera Hotel was built in 1937 by L Stewart Smith using reinforced concrete at a cost of just £40,000.

During the Second World War it was used by American Forces as a hospital before being purchased by Pontins as a holiday camp in the late 1950s.

It was sold to private owners in the early 2000s and has seen more £5m invested in improvements and upgrades since then.

Mr Stanfield added: “The hotel is an iconic landmark and we have art deco fans from around the world visiting regularly.

“There really is nothing else like it and it is going to be fascinating to find out more about its history over the coming weeks and months.

“We are also planning a big birthday bash next year and we hope the community will join in and help us celebrate this very special occasion.”

Anyone wanting to loan items can contact the hotel on 01305 836600.