VOLUNTEERS will be getting their gloves on to help tidy up an historic wartime fort left untouched for years.

James Shelley, from Harwich, has organised a group of willing weeders to tackle the overgrown trees and brambles at Beacon Hill Fort in Harwich on Sunday.

The fort, which overlooks the mouth of the Stour Estuary, has fallen into disrepair over the decades.

It is a scheduled ancient monument of national importance and is on the Historic England Heritage At Risk register.

There are a number of buried and standing remains of the coastal artillery batteries, the earliest thought to date back to 1812.

But the site itself dates back to 1534, when a fortification was built there during the reign of Henry VIII.

A new fort was built in its place during the 19th Century and used during both World Wars.

It has stood derelict for decades, with part of the site owned by Tendring Council.

But 3.7acres of the site was bought last year by Barry Sharp and Paul Valentine.

The pair want to create an attraction at the site and encourage visitors to the area.

But work is needed to clear overgrown weeds, clear up vandalism, and get surveys done on the buildings.

James said: "I spent a lot of time there - The Dubz as it was known in our generation - exploring, dancing, camping and ghost hunting - any excuse to be there.

"The guys who brought it have a dream and the site is going to ruin so to save it from being a demolition site I feel this is a much better way to save the site for all to enjoy for years to come.

"I just want to see it back to its glory."

James asked volunteers to help clear up, litter pick, clear shrubs or even just bring information about the site and its history to the event, starting at the Radar Tower entrance.