CONSERVATION work which will see a historic folly restored to its former glory is stepping up and will be ready for the summer, leaders behind the project revealed this week.

Scaffolding was erected around Stainborough Castle - which stands in Wentworth Castle Gardens’ grounds - this week in order for essential repair work which will replace 300-year-old eroded stones, crumbling mortar and long-perished timber.

The National Trust, working alongside Barnsley Council and organisations involved with the only Grade I-listed park and garden in South Yorkshire, entered into a 25-year lease in 2019.

General manager Sylvia Ward told the Chronicle: “This essential building work took a step forward this week with the scaffolding’s arrival, as this will allow workers to replace anything that’s required.

“This will ensure that the castle is here for people to enjoy long into the future.”