MORE than £3,500 has been raised in an appeal towards the restoration of a wing of a historic building near Pershore.

Visitors to the National Trust's Croome Court put their hands in their pockets to raised the massive sum in a buy-a-brick scheme towards a £1 million repair of the former service wing.

The section of the 18th century building - former home of the sixth Earl of Coventry which also previously housed kitchens, offices and servant's accommodation - underwent major repair works partially funded by English Heritage last year after being rescued from private ownership and has now been unveiled.

The project's manager Shaun Wilkes said: “These funds donated from our visitors have been vital to the success of the Red Wing repair project.

"We have really appreciated people’s generosity which has breathed life into this Grade I listed building which had been teetering on the brink of collapse.

“A huge thank you goes out from me and the rest of the Red Wing Project Team.”

Donors are now able to see their names recorded in a special book of acknowledgement on display in the Long Gallery.