VISITORS to Kendal Castle are set to get an even better view of the town and its surrounding countryside thanks to a £50,000 National Lottery grant.

The money has been used to provide a metal staircase leading up to the top of the North West Tower of Kendal Castle.

The idea for the staircase was thought up by The Friends of Kendal Castle, who felt it would improve visitors' enjoyment of the historic building.

Kendal Castle Consultative Group put the plan into action with the help of a Lottery grant and contributions from other bodies Alastair McNeil, Projects and Initiatives Officer for South Lakeland District Council, said: "The view from the tower really provides tremendous views over the valley. We installed the staircase firstly to provide safe access to the tower because children were known to climb into it, which could have been very dangerous."

"There are also a surprising number of things still left in the tower including a fireplace and the remains of a medieval toilet.

He added that an historical interpretation panel was also planned to show how the tower was used in the past.

Kendal town councillor Chris Mayo, the chairman of the Kendal Castle Consultative Group, said: "The new staircase to the North West Tower will really add to the enjoyment of visitors to Kendal's most prominent landmark."

He added: "The Consultative Group is now working on a Conservation Plan for the castle and considering how the castle might be used as a venue for appropriate events."

Attending the opening was Kendal Town Mayor Tony Rothwell, pupils from Castle Park School, members of Kendal Castle Consultative Group as well as representatives from Friends of Kendal Castle and Councillor Jean Ewing, chairman of South Lakeland District Council.