THE first phase of repairs to a museum roof is nearing completion, with staff delighted that it is on schedule and within budget.

Scaffolding went up at the French chateau-style Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, last September, with the aim of making five of the 12 sections - which account for about 50 per cent of the roof - watertight.

This initial work, which has cost about £1.6m and is due for completion in November, has focused on the main central section, which was judged to be the most badly affected.

"Although the whole of the roof needs attention, we are delighted that the area where we were experiencing the most problems with frequent water entry is nearing completion," said Matt Leng, the museum's business manager.

"But the other sections are equally important and, subject to funding bids, we hope to have all of them finished by 2008."

Meanwhile, there is also a great deal going on inside the building.

Construction work has begun on transforming the vaults and ground floor offices into a family-friendly flexible gallery space, due to open in the winter.

For more information about the museum and a full programme, call (01833) 690606.