The Happisburgh Lighthouse will be undergoing a transformation to make sure it's summer-ready at the end of the month.

North Norfolk News: Happisburgh, nominated as Village of the Year. Happisburgh Lighthouse.Picture: ANTONY KELLYHappisburgh, nominated as Village of the Year. Happisburgh Lighthouse.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2018)

The 85ft tower is being re-painted with its iconic red and white bands next month, the first time the outside of the lighthouse has been painted in almost a decade.

The last repaint in 2009 was supported by Sandtex paint, who have lent a helping hand this year by donating 150 litres of specially mixed red masonry paint.

Residents and visitors to north Norfolk are being invited to get a last look at the lighthouse before it is closed for the repaint, and is open over the bank holiday weekend to visitors.

The two open days are May 27 and 28, and the public are also invited to climb the lighthouse's 112 stairs.

North Norfolk News: The paint which will be used to redecorate the lighthouse. Picture: Happisburgh LighthouseThe paint which will be used to redecorate the lighthouse. Picture: Happisburgh Lighthouse (Image: Happisburgh Lighthouse)

Patrick Tubby, chair of Happisburgh Lighthouse Trust, said: 'We are expecting big crowds at the Bank Holiday weekend to see the lighthouse before it gets a new coat of paint.

'The re-painting will be a major but necessary operation to restore the iconic red and white bands to their full glory. 'By night the lighthouse flashes three times every thirty seconds, but by day it is that distinct colour scheme that helps mariners get their bearings.

He continued: 'We are delighted to once again be working with Sandtex paints, and are extremely grateful for the paint and other materials that have been donated. Happisburgh Lighthouse was saved by the local community thirty years ago, and the re-painting should generate even more interest in its history and its future.'

The lighthouse was threatened with closure in 1988 before being saved by a trust, and is now the oldest working light in East Anglia, as it was opened in 1791.

The opening days on May 27 and 28 take place is fro 10.30am to 4pm.

There will be a further nine open days from 21 July to September 2. Saturday 21 July will be a special open day to celebrate the re-painting of Happisburgh Lighthouse.

Happisburgh Lighthouse is currently being featured on TV Chef James Martin's Saturday Morning programme. Volunteers at the lighthouse have been filmed tasting drinks to go with James' dishes. The next tasting panel will be screened on ITV on 26 May.