An historic coastal lookout tower is being moved inland brick by brick - to protect it from falling into the sea.

The 188-year-old coastguard’s tower in Cornwall is being relocated 100m to save it from coastal erosion.

The Grade II-listed tower Compass Point Storm Tower - known as the Pepperpot - sits on a clifftop near Bude overlooking the Atlantic.

Falmouth Packet: The tower was a risk of falling into the seaThe tower was a risk of falling into the sea (Image: Daniel Dayment/SWNS)

Built from sandstone and shale it has saved the lives of countless sailors over the past two centuries.

Designed by George Wightwick the tower has eight sides that map the points of a compass.

A coastguard would sit inside during high tides and storms and use a flagpole to alert ships.

Falmouth Packet: Workers carefully deconstruct the tower brick by brickWorkers carefully deconstruct the tower brick by brick (Image: Daniel Dayment/SWNS)

The tower is being moved to stop it falling into the sea - it was previously relocated in 1881 for the same reason.

During its deconstruction a number of unusual bricks have been found, including some with carvings.

They include one from 'Len and Pat' who presumably visited the site at one point and decided to leave a lasting mark, as well as initials of another pair. 

Falmouth Packet: Carvings found on some of the bricksCarvings found on some of the bricks (Image: Daniel Dayment/SWNS)

The work, which started earlier this month, was originally planned to be completed by the end of the summer.

The Compass Point Project, as it is known, is now expected to run until October. 

People in the area are warned to watch out for moving vehicles at all times and asked to maintain a good distance from the site. 

Falmouth Packet: The bricks lined up in order to be put back togetherThe bricks lined up in order to be put back together (Image: Daniel Dayment/SWNS)