THE landlord of an award winning free house known throughout Purbeck for its fine ales and incredible views is celebrating 100 years of family ties to the pub.

Charlie Newman became involved with the Square and Compass in Worth Matravers as an apprentice working with his dad in 1982.

He is from the fourth generation of his family to inherit the responsibility of overseeing the award-winning pub overlooking Winspit quarry, his great-great grandfather having inherited it back in 1907.

Formerly known as The Sloop, the pub became popular with artists and stonemasons in the 1930s.

Twenty five years on, Charlie describes his role as that of a "curator" rather than a licensee, apt considering the annexed fossil museum, which contains dinosaur remains dating back hundreds of thousands of years, which he lovingly tends. "My place is to keep it for as long as possible in the same way," he said.

He built his own house opposite the pub and is adding to his smallholding bit by bit.

Local author Ilay Cooper has written a book chronicling the pub's journey through time, including an assortment of characters who have made the pub a treasured and revered establishment to locals and back packers alike.

"He has been coming here since the 1960s," said Charlie.

The pub has also become a popular venue on the musical grapevine, playing host to folk bands from as far away as the United States.

"Elephant Talk made a live recording here of their album, which featured the pub on the front cover," said Charlie.

He acknowledges that the increase of second homes in the area, which are largely uninhabited, has changed the demographics of the village for the worse but admits that this has not really affected trade.

"People still come here whether they are from London or Worth Matravers. The growth of climbing and cycling means we still get younger people coming in," he added.

The Square and Compass the book, of which a 3,000 initial run is being printed, will be available from the pub and the county museum from March 17.