HISTORIC Hartlebury Castle's future looks safe after it was bought for £2.45 million.

The Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust have splashed the cash on the castle and its 43 acres of parkland.

It was transferred from the ownership of the Church Commissioners to the trust, in association with Worcestershire County Council and Museums Worcestershire, on Friday.

Its new owners will now be able to preserve the castle and its valuable assets, as well as embark on programs for activities and improved access.

The trust and Museums Worcestershire aim to turn make the castle, Hurd Library and its gardens into an integrated destination for tourists.

It is hoped this will benefit the area and serve as a major attraction for visitors from around the UK and beyond.

This will continue a thousand years of public access to the former home of the Bishops of Worcester.

Robert Greenwood, chairman of the trust, said: "We are delighted that with the help of Heritage Lottery Fund award we have now been able to buy the castle after so many years of uncertainty.

"The generosity of so many organisations, authorities and individuals who have pledged matched funding, revenue support, individual gifts and time now enables us to go ahead with our plans."

The trust was given a £5 million grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund in October.

Work will begin next year on improvements within the Bishop's House, including restoring the Long Gallery and installing a new lift to serve the Hurd Library and upper floors.

Restoration will be complete by 2017, when the whole castle will again function as a single building.