Cash to transform Gothic castle

Lowther Castle was built in the 19th century

A Gothic castle in Cumbria has been awarded £9m to transform it into a major tourist attraction.

The cash will enable Lowther Castle, near Penrith, and its gardens to be open to the public for the first time in more than 70 years.

The project is expected to generate £10.4m for the local economy, create 28 new jobs and support up to 145 jobs outside the attraction.

It is hoped it will attract up to 160,000 visitors a year.

An exhibition gallery, function room, and visitor's centre are planned, and the gardens would be restored.

Northwest Regional Development Agency has awarded £7m, and a further £2m has come from the Northwest European Regional Development Fund.