A COMPANY that has designed sets for blockbuster movies such as Tomb Raider and the James Bond film Die Another Day has started work on a £250,000 redevelopment scheme at a North-East castle.

Lumley Castle's Baron's Hall, which dates from the 9th Century, has been the venue for the Chester-le-Street hotel's Elizabethan banquets since the early 1970s, but will now also host events such as weddings, birthday parties and corporate functions.

Hotel spokesman John Dobbs said: "The Baron's Hall will continue to be used for banquets, but we wanted to create a spectacular venue that will also be used for celebratory events."

Stage One, which is based in North Yorkshire, is working closely with designer Yvonne Scott, who created Lumley's interior.

She said: "All of the medieval features like the flags have gone, and there will be lots of panelling, rich colours, heavy velvet and gilt."

The Baron's Hall is a Grade- I listed building, and the interior can be removed at any time to return the hall to its preserved condition.