Work has started to fix a leaking roof on one of Kendal's most historic buildings.

The Grade 1 listed Castle Dairy, on Wildman Street, is owned by South Lakeland District Council but is currently operated as a restaurant and art gallery by Kendal College.

The building, parts of which date back to the 14th century, is one of the finest surviving examples of a high status medieval house in the area.

The red sandstone flag roofing is now leaking, presenting a risk to the future of the building, and listed building consent has been given for work to replace the roof.

Westmorland green slate will be used for the roof.

During the roofing work archaeologists will conduct dendrochronological dating to try and work out when they were added to the original 14th century single storey building.

The college’s Castle Dairy restaurant and art gallery will continue to open while the 12-week project is carried out.

Dan Elsworth, director at Ulverston-based Greenlane Archaeology Ltd, said: “The Castle Dairy will remain a unique building in the town, full of character and a remarkable amount of surviving historic fabric, but with a new, more appropriate roof."