This is a gorgeous sight in the Dorset countryside lost in time.

It's a picture of what was known as Rhododendron Mile on the edge of Puddletown Forest.

This photo was taken in the 1960s by Dave Gee of what was then considered a tourist attraction.

People would go for a drive and admire the colourful flowers.

Dorset Echo: The glorious colour of Rhododendron Mile The glorious colour of Rhododendron Mile

Sadly what was left of the rhododendron bushes were removed in 2010 as part of maintenance work by the Forestry Commission with a spokesman saying the rhododendron 'is very over-grown. It proliferates and grows and it’s gone too far.'

Dorset Echo: Rhododendron Mile in 2010Rhododendron Mile in 2010

The attraction was planted in the 1920s and was known for its colourful display of mauve flowers in late May or early June.

Sharon Morgan remembers: "This was a highlight for my family to visit, in fact one of my first journeys when I passed my driving test was to drive them there."

Valerie Langford recalls: "I used to love driving though and seeing beautiful rhododendrons."

Apparently coach trips were even run out to see Rhododendron Mile with Sandra Shutler remembering going on one as a child. 'It was a lovely afternoon out' she remembers.