CROFT Castle will re-open its doors to visitors tomorrow following a £1.4 million refit.

The National Trust has undertaken essential, behind the scenes, maintenance work over the last 18 months and an additional staircase and showroom will be open this summer.

House Manager David Atkins explained: "We have taken great measures over the past year to repair the fabric of the building, improve the insulation and upgrade the heating system, plumbing and electrics. By closing the castle for a whole season we were able to take up entire floors, repair ceilings and complete the major programme of work, without disturbing visitors.

He said the renovation work had ensured that the building functioned in a more environmentally-friendly way and there had been focus on preventive conservation.

The work carried out, although much of it is behind the scenes, will protect the building and collections from natural enemies like fire, water, light, pests and damp, and will also monitor human foes, which include over-heating and air pollution.

Preventive conservation is important not only because it saves money on remedial conservation, by extending the time between treatments, but also preserves the historic and artistic integrity of artefacts better. It is an investment for the future.

To celebrate the re-opening, Croft Castle has a lively programme of family events, walks and lectures throughout the season. There will be a gala evening on May 11 with fireworks, a hog roast and entertainment from the Tenbury Town Band.

This year the archaeological team from the National Trust and Hereford Archaeology return to find out more about the layout and history of the medieval castle discovered to the West of the Castle we see today.

There will be a series of lectures and tours led by county archaeologist Dr Keith Ray in July and August.

New features for this year include the opening of the Ambassador's Room and 18th Century Gothic staircase, which will both be open to visitors in the summer.