Exhibition marks 200 years since the Great Gale

A photo from November 1924 shows tidal wave flooding in Chiswell

The story of a deadly storm that flooded homes and destroyed villages 200 years ago is touring Dorset.

The Great Gale hit the south coast on the night of 22 November 1824 - destroying part of Chiswell where 25 people died.

A free exhibition, including personal stories and accounts from that night, has opened in Weymouth and will travel to four other locations.

Public arts events are also planned on Portland, where scores of homes were destroyed by the hurricane-force storm.

More than 80 homes were destroyed and 25 people died in Chiswell

The displays also delve into the reasons behind the storm and discusses how to predict and prepare for similar future events.

Environment Agency coastal engineer Neil Watson said: "We can learn so much about our coast and its vulnerability to flooding from history.

"This event 200 years ago left a trail of evidence from Lands End to Dover which we want to share with local communities."

The exhibition, organised by Dorset Coast Forum in collaboration with the Environment Agency and BCP Council, will be at Weymouth Library until Wednesday.

After that, it can be seen at Lyme Regis Jubilee Pavilion from 1 to 5 November, Edith Lyle Hall in Poole from 7 to 9 November, West Bay Discovery Centre on 16 and 17 November, with the final leg at Portland Community Venue from 21 to 24 November.

To commemorate the tragedy in Chiswell, Dorset Coast Forum is also collaborating with Portland-based arts company B-side on public events from Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 November.

Details will appear on the forum website.