CONSERVATION experts at Worcester's Guildhall have struck gold - by uncovering the original paint scheme in the council chamber.

Experiments have revealed that the Victorian decoration on the ceiling is intact, despite being covered by two coats of paint.

Around 1880, architects Scott & Rowe designed an ornate gilded ceiling, but in the 1960s and 70s their work was hidden from view when refurbishment was ordered.

The ceiling is now painted ochre red.

"In the 1960s someone painted the ceiling with a yellow oil-based paint and then in the 1970s, the ceiling was painted with a red emulsion," said the principal conservation officer, Will Scott.

"But trials have revealed that the gold underneath is in good condition. It will only need varnishing, rather than re-painting.

"It will look literally as good as gold once it's finished."

The aim is to restore the council chamber as soon as possible. Tomorrow members of the policy and resources committee will be asked to choose a tender from two bids submitted by restoration specialists.

One firm has suggested the pain-staking process of scraping away the red and yellow coats of paint using a scalpel.

The second option, proposed by a rival company, would be to use a solvent to remove the red and yellow paint.

Mr Scott said he had "no idea" why the original design was covered up more than 30 years ago.

He was not prepared to disclose the costs of the refurbishment operation, but said it would form part of a wider refurbishment, scheduled for next year.

The furniture and curtains in the room are to be repaired, as well as a new carpet laid.

Displays have been erected inside the High Street building, illustrating the materials that will be used and giving information about the project.

Next year, the council also intends to install a lift in the north wing of the building, to carry disabled visitors to the upper floor, where the council chamber and the assembly room are situated.