A NEW 82ft landmark is gracing the Purbeck skyline following the installation of a control tower at Bovington Tank Museum.

The new tower, which is part of a £16 million redevelopment project sponsored by the Heritage Lottery Fund, will be used to control live events taking place in the new tank arena.

Museum director Richard Smith said; "The tower gives the building design a landmark profile and stands above what will become our new reception area. To the left of this, our new 5,000-square metre display hall is taking shape and in front of it, our new tank arena is almost complete."

Mr Smith was joined by former museum director John Woodward and site manager Rod Nutbourne of Norwest Holst to toast the topping-out of the new building as the tower was lifted into position.

The tower and new arena will be used for the first time during live displays in the half term school holidays from May 24 to June 1.