Monuments in danger of being lost forever are to be saved for future generations to enjoy.

English Heritage has unveiled a scheme to remove some of North Yorkshire's forgotten historic relics from its Buildings at Risk register.

Nearly £70,000 has been pledged for urgent repairs to five monuments across the county.

They include Newton Kyme Castle, near Tadcaster; Seamer Manor House, near Scarborough; Neville Castle, Kirkbymoorside; John of Gaunt's Castle, Harrogate; and Crayke Castle, near Easingwold.

In most cases, all that remains of these once proud buildings is a fragment of wall or an archway.

But, despite their condition, they also stand as eloquent reminders of past glories.

Work will be done to repair their crumbling stonework using traditional materials to prevent collapses which threaten their survival.

English Heritage's assistant regional director John Hinchliffe, said: "All these sites have been on our Buildings at Risk register since it was first compiled in 1999.

"In a region blessed with many outstanding castles, these smaller sites are easily overlooked, but they are often cherished by local people.

"This scheme is a practical and cost-effective way for us to fulfill our mission as guardians of the historic environment."

The repairs are to be carried out after agreements have been sealed with all the owners and the works should be completed by next spring.