MORE than £4 million has been awarded to a South Lakeland museum dedicated to one of the country's most famous poets.

The Wordsworth Trust, based at Grasmere's Dove Cottage, has been given the money by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the Reimagining Wordsworth project.

Over the next two years, the Wordsworth Museum will be expanded and modernised, with sensitive conservation work to be carried out in Dove Cottage.

There will be new outdoor spaces, a redesigned cafe and terrace overlooking Dove Cottage and a new learning centre where people of all ages and abilities will be able to take part in year-round events.

After being awarded a first round pass by Heritage Lottery Fund in 2016, the Wordsworth Trust has spent two years developing the project, recruiting a dynamic project team, receiving crucial planning permission and matchfunding more than £1million in order to secure the grant.

Michael McGregor, director of the Wordsworth Trust, said: "This is wonderful news. Funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund will enable us to realise our vision for Reimagining Wordsworth, creating new ways of enjoying Wordsworth’s poetry in the landscape that inspired him."

Work is expected to start in early 2019 and to be completed by April 2020, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Wordsworth’s birth.

Last month, it was revealed a £3.29 million government arts bid to showcase the Lake District was approved.

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership secured the money, which will go towards Reimagining Wordsworth, Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories and Kendal’s Abbot Hall Art Gallery.