AN appeal has been launched to restore four windows at a medieval manor house in Worcester.

Staff at National Trust owned Greyfriars' House and Gardens, based on Friar Street, are trying to raise £12,000 to restore the windows at the timber-framed townhouse, which dates back to the 1480s.

Rachael Trimm, house and visitor services manager, said the windows require "urgent conservation work" and she hopes the funds can be raised before Christmas.

She said: "Our unique collection of windows are becoming fragile.

"The conservation of these beautiful windows, which form so much of the house’s character, is an immense task. There are three main windows which require urgent work and a fourth which will need work doing on it soon."

The current windows are made out of a mixture of glass that dates from medieval times to the 20th century.

They were put in place by brother and sister team, Elsie and Matley Moore, during their restoration of the property.

The pair were members of the Worcestershire Archaeological Society and lived in the house for years until their deaths in the 1980s.

"Most leaded windows, like these, need tie-bars or horizontal iron bars to keep the lead from deforming, cracking the glass and letting in the weather," Miss Trimm added.

"Some of our conservation work will be creating tie-bars and renewing copper ties to strengthen these windows. Also, in some of the windows there is a large gap between the lead and the wooden casement, which does not help us keep the house warm in the winter. It also lets in the water which can damage our collections, so these gaps will need to be rectified."

Miss Trimm said UV filters will also be fitted to the windows to stop light damage to textiles and the interior of the house.

She said:"The UV filters take out the harmful part of the light while allowing us to see through the windows properly. We aim to create UV filter panels that fit individually into each window panel which will help us enormously in the long run."

To donate to the appeal, go to www.justgiving.com/greyfriars-worcester or visit the house from Tuesday to Saturday from 1pm to 5pm.