A north Norfolk landmark is opening its doors to the public this weekend in the first of a series of open days planned this summer.

Happisburgh Lighthouse, the UK's only independently operated working lighthouse, is offering visitors unrivalled views along the coast from the top of its tower.

It will also unveil the refurbishment work recently undertaken to the stairs and internal walls which was made possible by a sponsored zip wire challenge last October, when 200 volunteers jumped from the top of the lighthouse, which raised more than £30,000 as part of the lighthouse's 225th anniversary and its 25th anniversary as a charitable trust.

The lighthouse is open from 11am to 4pm on: Sundays, July 24, July 31, August 7, August 14, August 21 (International Lighthouse Heritage Weekend), August 28, September 4 and Bank Holiday Monday, August 29.

Entry costs £3 for adults, £1 for children aged 16 and under and includes a full guided tour. Children under one metre in height are not permitted to climb the tower for safety reasons.

Patrick Tubby, chair of Happisburgh Lighthouse trust, said: 'We are expecting a record number of visitors this summer to see this unique North Norfolk landmark. Visitors are amazed by the history, the views and the fact that we are the UK's only independently operated working lighthouse.

'Thanks to the generosity of all our supporters we have been able to refurbish the inside of the lighthouse and keep it open and operating. Happisburgh Lighthouse has been guiding the mariner since 1791 and we are determined to ensure that we can continue to do so for centuries to come.'

Anyone interested in volunteering at the lighthouse can email Val Howson at happisburghlighthousevolunteer@gmail.com