MORE than a quarter of the money needed to restore windows at a medieval property in Worcester has been raised.

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.

So far almost £4,000 has been raised, with a big boost in funding coming from the city's Victorian Fayre over Christmas.

Rachel Coltman, house and visitor services manager, said: "A lot of the money did come during the Victorian Fayre, and that was a great help. We have also had fundraisers since so we are definitely getting there. We hope to have raised it all by the end of the year so we can restore the windows next winter."

The 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 the windows in Greyfriars, need tie-bars or horizontal iron bars to keep the lead from deforming, cracking the glass and letting the wind and rain in and work will be done to insert tie-bars on to the windows.

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

The house is currently closed for winter cleaning but reopens on Tuesday, February 17.

From Easter, the house will also have extended opening hours.

Greyfriars will open from 11am until 5pm from Tuesday to Saturday, with guided tours being available between 11am and 1pm.

To donate to the appeal, go to www.justgiving.com/greyfriars-worcester or visit the house.