RIBBLE Valley Mayor Doreen Taylor cut the first sod in the £3.2million scheme to refurbish Clitheroe Castle and Museum.

The ceremony was watched by council leader Michael Ranson, community development manager Chris Hughes, former High Sheriff of Lancashire Peter Robinson, Charles Anelay, special project manager of restoration firm William Anelay Ltd, and Emma Birkett, senior projects manager at Turner and Townsend.

The castle is to undergo major restoration and internal modernisation to develop its reputation as a quality visitor attraction.

The scheme has attracted a £2million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £250,000 from Ribble Valley Council and £250,000 from the North West Development Agency as well as substantial support from the private sector and community groups