A West Somerset lighthouse has been ordered to be repainted because its colour breaches international maritime safety rules.

The hexagonal shape 164-year-old Watchet Lighthouse at the entrance to the town’s harbour and marina is currently coloured red.

It’s light can be seen from nine miles out to sea.

Harbourmaster Capt Jessica Tyson told the town’s harbour advisory committee the lighthouse was not compliant with the International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation.

Capt Tyson said the 22 feet tall cast iron lighthouse was a designated navigational aid and therefore should be green in colour.

She said in order to meet the requirement she would have the seaward panels painted green while the landward panels would remain red.

Members of the advisory committee, who include Watchet Mayor Cllr Loretta Whetlor, supported the change.

The committee also heard it was hoped to have security cameras installed around Watchet’s West Quay and Pier to aid the security of the harbour and its entrance.

Watchet Lighthouse was built in 1862 on the harbour’s west pier with a green cupola roof topped with an ornate weather vane.

Tenders to build the lighthouse saw three bids submitted, including from the famous railway engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

However, the commissioners instead accepted a design by James Abernethy and the lighthouse was built by Hennet Spinks and Else, of Bridgwater, for the price of £75.

Following damage to the harbour walls in a storm during 1900, the lighthouse was removed and five years later it was re-positioned on the new breakwater.

Its lighting system was produced by Chance Brothers, of Smethwick, and it displayed a green light, while on the east breakwater a nine feet tall pole erected in about 1900 displayed two vertical red lights.

The 150th anniversary of Watchet Lighthouse was commemorated in 2012 when the Princess Royal unveiled a plaque.