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

The 188-year-old coastguard’s tower in Cornwall was relocated 100m over the course of a year 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.

The tower in its new, safer location (Image: Daniel Dayment / SWNS)

The work, which started last July, was originally expected to be completed by the end of last summer, before a revised completion date of October. 

However, after a further delay the Compass Point Project, as it is known, is now complete and the tower can once again be visited.

The tower is back open to visit (Image: Daniel Dayment / SWNS)

People were previously asked to maintain a good distance from site while the reconstruction work in progress. 

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

Before and after photos showing Compass Point Storm Tower in its original place (top) and where it has been moved to (bottom) (Image: Daniel Dayment / SWNS)

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.

The reconstruction work in progress (Image: Daniel Dayment / SWNS)

The tower has now been 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.

Mick Robson showing an inscription found on one of the bricks (Image: Daniel Dayment / SWNS)

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.