A FAKE National Trust sign was put up at a Dorset beauty spot claiming that a popular footpath had been closed.

The notice was spotted by a member of the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team who was patrolling the area around Pilsdon Pen It is one of west Dorset's prominent landmarks, dominated by an Iron Age hill fort.

A spokesman said: "One of our team had been up to Pilsdon Pen today to challenge individuals in line with the coronavirus regulations.

"Thankfully no breaches to report and we can’t thank you enough.

"However, this sign did come to our notice. As you can see it has a National Trust logo on it and has been written on by another.

"After liasing with the National Trust we discovered they had not put this sign up and were unaware of it.

"Please do not put out letters that suggest you are from a company when you do not have permission to do so.

"For information regarding National Trust sites please visit their website."