Members of the public can gaze in awe at the new-look Happisburgh Lighthouse at a special open day.

North Norfolk News: New look Happisburgh Lighthouse. Picture: Stephen BurkeNew look Happisburgh Lighthouse. Picture: Stephen Burke (Image: Archant)

The lighthouse is all shiny and bright after the recent re-paint of the 85ft tower's iconic red and white bands.

To celebrate the makeover, a special open day will take place on Saturday, July 21, from 10.30am to 4pm. The lighthouse will then be open every Sunday from July 22 to September 2 as well as August bank holiday Monday, August 27.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the optics that enable the light to be seen up to 18 miles away and the 30th anniversary of the campaign to save the lighthouse from closure.

It is the UK's only independently operated lighthouse, run by a charity, and the oldest working light in East Anglia.

North Norfolk News: New look Happisburgh Lighthouse. Picture: Stephen BurkeNew look Happisburgh Lighthouse. Picture: Stephen Burke (Image: Archant)

The re-paint took two weeks by a specialist team of four painters. It cost £20,000 and masonry paints brand, Sandtex donated 300 litres of specially mixed paint.

Sharon Smith, brand manager for Sandtex Trade, said: 'We're delighted that the decorating team chose to use Sandtex Trade's X-treme X-posure to refresh such an iconic landmark. X-treme X-posure has been formulated to provide excellent dirt resistance and colour retention - even when faced with a harsh coastal climate. We're confident that Happisburgh Lighthouse will retain its fresh 'just decorated look' for many years to come.'

Sandtex is also providing some freebies including mugs and lollipops for visitors on July 21.

Visitors to the lighthouse on open days can climb the 112 steps to the lantern room where a guide will tell them about the history and workings of the lighthouse and the great views.

Stephen Burke, vice-chairman of Friends of Happisburgh Lighthouse, said: 'With the start of the holidays for many families, we are expecting big crowds to visit the re-painted lighthouse this summer. It really does look stunning. The lighthouse is a magnificent landmark on the north-east Norfolk coastline, guiding the mariner as it has done since 1791. The re-paint demonstrates our continuing commitment to maintaining Happisburgh lighthouse for future generations.'