TODAY it is one of the most sought after corners of Britain but back in 1896 the only buildings on the Sandbanks peninsula were a couple of hotels and a handful of homes.

The original Haven Hotel was built in 1887 but it underwent significant changes in subsequent years.

Between 1898 and 1926 pioneer Guglielmo Marconi famously conducted wireless experiments from the hotel and, also in the year 1926, the Sandbanks Ferry came into service.

Sandbanks, during the Second World War, became a military zone and the Haven Hotel did not re-open until 1949, after restoration.

Bournemouth Echo: Sandbanks, pre-1953

By the time the earliest of these three aerial Echo photos was taken, some time prior to 1953, above, there was more development to be seen. Can anyone identify the year?

Bournemouth Echo: Sandbanks, 1960

Our other photos were taken in 1960 – by Echo photographer Harry Ashley, above, – and in April 2007 (by Echo photographer Richard Crease) below. They show how much – or little – has changed.

Bournemouth Echo: Sandbanks now