ONE of the most impressive landmarks in the district – the huge bell tower at Westbury-on-Severn – is to open its doors to the public to help raise funds for its restoration.

Structural engineers are still assessing the work but church authorities are braced for a bill which could exceed £300,000.

It is possible the bell headstocks will need to be replaced, as well as the 35,000 wood shingle tiles which dress the spire. They are held in place by 10,000 copper nails.

Spokesperson Sue Sterry said the tower would be open on Saturday and Sunday October 17 and 18 from midday until 5pm with the aim of raising community awareness of the huge restoration project.

The tower holds the heaviest peel of six bells in Gloucestershire and dates from 1711. The tenor bell weighs just over 21 cwt.

The bells have not been rung for 10 years but they could be re-roped and played again as part of the investigation to check exactly what repair work needs to be carried out.

Parishioners have already begun fund-raising. Almost £500 was achieved at a recent car boot sale and on the weekend of the tower opening there is to be a concert in the church featuring the St Leonard's Singers and the Winterbourne St Michael's Handbell Ringers. The concert will start at 7.30pm.

Sue Sterry says the spire, detached from the church, is Grade One Listed and has iconic status.

"The tower itself was originally built around 1290 as a garrison to protect the area from raids from the Welsh. The 153ft spire was added in the 14th century," she said.

There is evidence of the Chapel of St Mary's – demolished in 1862 – on the west wall.

The clock, which has a diameter of 14ft, is on the northern wall. It was made in Bristol by Messrs Wasbrough Hale in 1945. There are two scratch sundials on the South West wall and some impressive gargoyles.

•Tickets for the concert will be available on the door or by contacting Sue Sterry on 01452 760538 or Mary Fear on 01452 760515.