A fossilised tree stump found during recent coast protection works is on permanent display at Branksome Chine.

The three-ton fossil dates from 140 million years ago - a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth.  It was transported to Branksome Chine with a consignment of Purbeck stone, destined to become part a new rock groyne at Branksome beach.

Workmen from contractors Dean & Dyball spotted the unusual rock, which clearly shows the tree’s grain and put it to one side.

Local geologist Jo Thomas, who saw it on the promenade, said at the time: “There are a few tree stumps around the place but that is a really nice one.”

She said the pine tree, similar to a cypress or juniper, would have been growing on Portland's Jurassic Coast.  At that time Dorset was on the north western edge of a freshwater lagoon that covered what is now southern England, the Channel and part of France.

The fossil was discovered in the year that marks the bicentenary of Charles Darwin's birth and 150 years since the publication of his theory of evolution.  As well as devoting his life to the study of nature, Darwin was an avid fossil collector and this helped him to realise that living things have changed over time.

An information panel panel is currently being produced and will be mounted alongside the fossil.