Supporters are being asked to step up and help a dream be realised.

Campaigners are well on their way to restoring full public access to Castle Cove Beach in Weymouth which has been blocked off for more than five years.

The last hurdle is to build some steps down to the beach, and it is aimed to have this completed by Easter 2019.

To help with this effort, The Friends of Castle Cove Beach Charity has announced the sale of 30 steps down to the sea. Donors will be asked to sponsor a step with a minimum donation of £120.

The sale was suggested by members of the charity’s 1,000-strong Facebook page. The £120 will go towards constructing the steps and each sponsorship will be acknowledged by a certificate and a plaque attached to the relevant step.

Val Graves, a trustee from the charity, said: “We are going to build a flight of wooden steps down to Castle Cove Beach which will be finished by Easter 2019. We need to raise the final £4,000. Our supporters came up with this idea, and we loved it.”

She added: “A number of people have said they will sponsor a step and we expect them to sell out very quickly.

“It’s the perfect gift for Christmas – a donation to charity that ensures access to the beach for generations to come.”

The footpath to the beach, which has been used by the public for decades, was closed by Dorset County Council more than five years ago but has since been partially reopened. Subsidence prompted the removal of an access staircase down to the sands.

The Friends, with support from the community, have been working on restoring access, and have been fundraising to get the steps in place. The beach is a much-loved beauty spot which has been enjoyed by families for many years, The Friends have raised £10,000 through local donations and recently received £20,000 from the borough council.

Currently the beach can be only accessed from down the coast at low tide.

If you are interested in sponsoring a step email Dee on birddee962@gmail.com with your name, address including postcode, telephone number and text for the plaque.

Sponsors will be asked to pay a minimum donation of £120 by cheque or by internet banking and of course can increase that amount if they choose.