An Italian restaurant is asking permission for new signs at one of Dorchester's most iconic buildings.

The black and white timbered, listed building, in High West Street, used to be known as Judge Jeffreys, as it was said to be the former home of the 'hanging judge', responsible for the bloody assizes in the town where hundreds of opponents of the King were sentenced to death.

In total 251 rebels were given the death penalty, with 74 ultimately carried out.

Today, the business is home to Al Molo, which has moved from Weymouth's old pier to open a restaurant specialising in fish dishes.

The business is now asking for several signs and a menu display board on the grade I listed building.

The application for listed building consent to Dorset Council says that the new signs, either side of the front door, would be chrome and black, small, and similar to those used when the building was previously run by a national restaurant chain.

Two planters, bearing the company name, are planned for the ground and first floor, with a new projecting hanging sign, to sit at first floor level with the original sign which bears a portrait of Judge Jeffreys. All will be on a dark background with light coloured lettering.

Other changes are being proposed to some areas of internal decoration, to restore beams and to remove red paint from a feature fireplace in a rear room.

Changes are also expected to be made to the upstairs kitchen, a heating system to flats above the restaurant and to tackle damage caused by damp to some sections of plaster, all in areas which are out of view of restaurant guests.

The full application can be found on the Dorset Council planning website and public comments are open until May 27.