A YORK building company will be working for the council to overhaul the historic Mansion House.

William Aneley have been appointed to work on the building's restoration project, and workmen will soon move in.

The project includes restoring the kitchens and improving the public displays for the city's collection of gold and silverware.

William Anelay was founded in 1747 and is now one of the oldest construction companies in the world and is based in York and Manchester.

The company's chairman Charles Anelay said: "The Mansion House is such a significant building in York that there has been keen competition to get the job. As York-based specialist contractors, we are delighted that we have been chosen, especially as we are also currently working on the Mansion House in Doncaster, so it makes a fine pair.

"Our team is well aware of the responsibility we have to do a really good job and play our part in repairing, enhancing and upgrading the building for years to come."

Deputy council leader Keith Aspden said: "This is a massive step for this exciting project and we are delighted to have a local contractor delivering the work on one of York’s most iconic buildings.

"This restoration will improve the experience for visitors as well as secure the building’s future and I am looking forward to seeing the outcome when work is completed next year."

The "Opening Doors" restoration project got a £1 million Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant, as well as £400,000 in funding from City of York Council and donations.

The plans have four main parts:

• Restoring the original kitchens to create a fully working eighteenth century kitchen and a modern kitchen so the house can host functions.

• Improving displays, conservation and access to the civic collection of gold and silverware.

• Developing a conservation plan for the structure, and putting in an effective conservation heating system.

• Preparing an oral history project, involving people past and present with a connection to the building.