THE rebirth of the gardens at what was one of the finest houses in 19th century England will be charted in a television documentary tonight.

Presenter Sue Beardsmore has followed the restoration of the gardens and fountains at Witley Court, Great Witley, during the past year.

English Heritage cash has given it a £700,000 makeover, bringing the gardens up to their 1860 standard and repairing the extensively damaged Perseus and Andromeda fountain.

Witley Court - Restoration of a Garden also charts the history of the house, which was turned into a palace fit for a king by William Humble Ward, the first Earl of Dudley.

Tony Fleming, English Heritage inspector of ancient monuments, said: "In Victorian times more money was spent on Witley Court than any other house in England, if not Europe."

But the house fared less well in the 20th century and new owner, Kidderminster carpet millionaire Herbert Smith, was unable to restore it following a 1937 fire.

The programme goes out at 7.30pm on BBC2.