THE beginnings of a multi-million pound refurbishment of Smithills Hall were unveiled this weekend - with double the number of visitors that usually pass through the door in one year.

More than 10,000 packed in during the weekend to take a look at the Victorian west wing of the 14th century manor house, which has been brought back to its former glory by the council with the help of European grants.

Cllr Bob Howarth, chairman of the Smithills Hall Sub-Committee steering the project, said: "We are delighted at how well things went. Letters have already been coming in from visitors to say how pleased they were and how impressive the restoration work is."

He added: "This is only phase one and we have a long way to go until the restoration work is fully complete and this weekend was very encouraging and shows it perhaps is becoming more of a regional attraction."

The restoration work has been carried out by Linford Bridgeman of Lichfield and the Green Hall has also been restored as well as the drawing room and library.

This weekend was the first time the public has ever seen the Victorian wing as it was used as a day centre for young adults with learning disabilities up to 1994.

Caroline Ashworth, museum marketing officer, said the whole weekend - which coincided with National Heritage Weekend - was a massive success.

More than 4,000 people also visited Hall i'th' Wood for a demonstration of Samuel Crompton's Spinning Mule and a tour of the loft space.

She added: "It was a brilliant success and we just hope as many people continue to visit Smithills as the refurbishment carries on. We've extended the opening until October and hopefully people who have already visited will come back next year."

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