An iconic former coastguard building in Cornwall has been given a new lease on life after an extensive refurbishment.

The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) lookout at Bass Point on the Lizard underwent the work to help protect it from winter storms.

It is well-known to those viewing it from the sea and to walkers on the South West Coast Path, which passes directly outside.

It was taken over by the NCI in 1994 and maintained by the Bass Point team since.

However, earlier this year, major repair work was deemed necessary.

Bass Point NCI station manager, Peter Martin, said: "The team has done a great job keeping the building in a serviceable state for so long on a shoestring budget.

"But the cracks were beginning to show and – more importantly – were beginning to let in water."

The building, positioned in a spectacular location, is subject to severe weather conditions, especially during winter gales.

These conditions increased the risk of water damage to the sensitive electronic equipment housed in the lookout.

Mr Martin added: "Bass Point is a spectacular place on most days of the year, but the winter gales – when the rain is virtually horizontal and driven by 70mph winds – find every possible weakness.

"We have some sensitive electronic equipment in the lookout and we were becoming increasingly concerned about the risk caused by ingress of water.

"So, the decision was taken to replace all the exterior wooden cladding on the south-west wall of the building which meets the worst of the weather."

A major fundraising campaign was launched to raise the £9,000 required for the project.

The generosity of local people and organisations was evident, as highlighted by Mr Martin.

He said: "We were incredibly lucky to get a substantial sum from the Cornwall Community Foundation, which was match-funded by National Trust, from whom we lease the building.

"But just as important was the generosity of local people who donated through our social media-driven GoFundMe appeal, which raised over £3,000."

The refurbishment project was overseen by Bass Point watchkeeper, Brian Hurst, who possesses extensive experience in the construction industry.

The project benefited from favourable weather conditions and was completed within the two-week window.

Mr Hurst said: "We were incredibly lucky with the refurbishment project, not just in terms of the funding, but also in the sourcing of materials and a reliable contractor to carry out the work.

"The weather also smiled on us for a change, and the two-week window that we had set aside for the work was virtually dry throughout."