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

After three years of planning, the first phase of work is under way to replace the main portions of the roof at the Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham.

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 immediately if the necessary funding is secured.

The lead and slate roof was constructed in the 19th Century but has deteriorated so much that the Grade I-listed building was placed on English Heritage's buildings at risk register.

It was then decided that minor repairs to the roof were no longer viable.

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

Adrian Jenkins, 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 past few years, but all the while we have 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 improved access to some of the treasures stored in the upper floor rooms."

William Anelay and Company, from Osbaldwick, York, roofing contractors specialising in work on historic buildings, will carry out the work, which will involve scaffolding along some parts of the front of the museum.

Architect for the project is Peter Gaze Pace, of York.

The museum was founded by John and Josephine Bowes to accommodate 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.

For information on progress of the work, call (01833) 690606 or visit www.bowesmuseum.org.uk