Large numbers of people are set to visit a historic prison site this weekend for the final time before it is demolished.

There will be one last chance tomorrow (Saturday, October 15) and Sunday (October 16) for visitors to see the inside of a jail as an open weekend is held at Blundeston Prison.

After opening in the early 1960s, HMP Blundeston was once home to up to 500 inmates.

This year thousands of people have clamoured to have a look around the jail, which was home to famous prisoners Reggie Kray and Lottery winner Michael Carroll.

Lowestoft-based Badger Building bought the site after it was closed by the Ministry of Justice in 2012.

As plans were finalised for the site's future, it allowed Stradbroke Masonic Lodge to organise guided tours and raise money for their charitable work.

Master of Stradbroke Masonic Lodge, Jason Oliver, said the guided tours of the prison site and the cell blocks have been a success.

'We expected it to raise £3,000 to £4,000 but, if we get the numbers we are expecting this weekend, the final sum could be nearer £20,000 – with 5,000 to 6,000 people having attended, which is exceptional.

'The open weekend is the last chance ever to go in and have a look around the prison before demolition work starts.

'Every single penny goes to charity, and we have raised more than £10,000 so far.

'Ten per cent of the funds raised are being donated to research into Parkinson's disease, with the rest going to various charities.'

Each open day runs between 9.30am and 3pm.

? Email stradbrokelodge3291@hotmail.com for further information.