A MAJOR project has been launched to clean and restore the 70-foot high ceiling of a North Yorkshire stately home.

The restoration scheme in the Great Hall at Allerton Castle, between York and Knaresborough, has involved Harrogate Scaffolding Ltd installing its highest ever interior scaffold.

A team of stonemasons has been restoring the window tracery and stone ashlar blocks, after which work can begin on cleaning and restoring the wood panelling of the hammer beam ceiling and bosses, as well as the decorative stained glass windows.

Once the work at the top of the ceiling is completed, restoration will begin on the Angel Gallery, with all the work having to be completed before Easter so the castle doors can open again for visitors and wedding guests alike.