Historic architecture in Brighton and Hove could be saved after conservationists stumbled upon the secret of how to restore it.

Experts working on the refurbishment of the Pepper Pot in Queen’s Park, Brighton, discovered that the centre of the tower was originally built with Ranger’s Lime Concrete.

Further analysis by Neil England from the Regency Society and Nick Tyson of the Georgian group unlocked the key to recreating this early form of artificial stone developed by Ringmer builder William Ranger for the first time in 160 years.

Applying it to the Pepper Pot, along with coating the dome with a specialist waterproof paint and installing new hardwood windows, will waterproof the Grade II-listed building.