Landmark tower to be opened up to public

The tower was built, to resemble a beer mug, in 1784

One of Leicestershire's best known landmarks is to be opened up to the public for one day a week.

Old John, in Bradgate Park near Newtown Linford, is locked up for most of the year but volunteers will now be opening the tower to visitors each Thursday from 11:00 BST to 15:00 until the end of October.

The 18th Century monument, built to resemble a beer mug, has undergone a series of external repairs.

"Everyone has seen Old John from the outside but most people will not know what it's like inside - or seen the amazing views from the top of it," said Bradgate Park Trust director James Dymond.

"We want to give people the chance to have a look inside this building - which for many is the symbol of Leicestershire.

"We have some great volunteers who are very knowledgeable about the tower and the park."

Mr Dymond said there was some internal restoration work planned for the tower but that would take place outside the hours it was open to the public.