HERITAGE groups are celebrating after a £150,000 cash boost was secured for Clitheroe Castle.

The money is needed for a major £3.2million project which aims to turn the castle into an all-weather attraction.

It is hoped to create a "centre of excellence for learning".

Community group Clitheroe the Future has successfully secured the latest funds.

The £3.2m Clitheroe Castle Heritage Scheme is the brainchild of Ribble Valley Borough Council.

The scheme has already attracted £2m from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £250,000 from The North West Development Agency.

Richard Jackson, project manager for Clitheroe the Future, said: "We are delighted that we have been able to access this money, which will help bridge the shortfall.

"Additional funding for the project is still needed."