THE remains of a 700-year-old castle are to be saved after a two-year wrangle between town councillors and English Heritage.

Kirkbymoorside Town Council was told by the agency that Neville Castle was on the Buildings at Risk register, and thousands of pounds should be spent on repairs.

The council-owned ruins - a wall measuring four metres by three metres - were initially thought to be a risk as they run alongside a public footpath.

But, following a site meeting between councillors and English Heritage officials, it was decided that while the top of the ruins needed attention, it was not dangerous.

Town clerk Robert Horne said: "It was at first thought that the top of the castle would have to be demolished after evidence of falling masonry.

"We hope to get about a 40 per cent grant from English Heritage and we do have some money which we were allocated by North Yorkshire County Council towards the restoration work. We are hoping it can be completed before November."