Work has begun on a £2.5 million project to safeguard the future of one of the region's favourite museums.

After three years of planning, the first phase of work began this month to replace the main portions of the roof at the Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle.

The project is expected to take 12 months to complete and the museum will remain open throughout the work.

It is hoped the second phase of the project, to repair the remainder of the roof, will follow on immediately afterwards if the necessary funding is secured.

The complex lead and slate roof was built in the 19th century and has deteriorated so much the Grade 1 listed building was placed on English Heritage's Buildings at Risk register.

Minor repairs are now no longer viable and the museum staff are taking action to avoid the structure and contents being damaged.

The project will ensure the museum is removed from the BAR register and its internationally important collections are protected for future generations.

Adrian Jenkins, the director of the Bowes Museum, thanked visitors for their patience and support during the project.

He added: "We have made significant improvements to the quality of the museum experience for visitors over the last few years, but we have all the while been conscious of the need to quickly remove the worries associated with the leaking roof.

"The work will finally lay that concern to rest and at the same time will be a catalyst for allowing improved access to some of the treasures stored in the upper floor rooms."

William Anelay and Co from Osbaldwick, York, a team of specialist historic building roofing contractors will carry out the work, which will involve scaffolding along some parts of the front of the museum.

The architect involved in the project is Peter Gaze Pace of York.

The museum was founded by John and Josephine Bowes to house their extensive art collection.

The Queen Mother, born Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and descended from the uncle of John Bowes, was patron of the museum from 1962 until her death in 2002.

The project has been funded by English Heritage, Northern Rock Foundation and Durham County Council.

Information on the progress of the project is being displayed in the museum throughout the work.

For more information, call (01833) 690606 or visit www.bowesmuseum.org.uk.