THE first images of the £3.2million Clitheroe Castle project were unveiled at a private function aimed at attracting sponsors.

The event, hosted by the High Sheriff of Lancashire, was an exclusive look at the plans for the biggest heritage project in the town.

Ribble Valley Council, which is leading the project, is keen to involve local businesses to put their name to a part of development.

The scheme has already attracted £2million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £250,000 from The North West Development Agency, £150,000 from SITA Trust via the landfill tax credit scheme and other individual donations.

But £550,000 is still needed to reach the total cost.

A presentation about the scheme was given by Chris Hughes, community development manager at the council, Lesley Lloyd, chair of the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board, and county museums officer Edmund Southworth.

The reception heard the scheme will have a huge economic impact on Ribble Valley and East Lancashire, attracting thousands of visitors. The new facility will include an education suite, exhibition space, interactive displays, a caf and shops and disabled access.

None of the businesses which attended have officially made any offers but the High Sheriff, Peter Robinson, said there has been lots of interest.

The drive is now on to raise the rest of the cash via community group Keepers of the Castle, public funding or sponsorship from the private sector.

The redevelopment, due to begin later this year and finish in 2009, will see the museum undergo major restoration and internal modernisation, with further work to ensure the castle keep, built in 1186, is structurally sound.

The High Sheriff has been made the official champion' of the Clitheroe Castle Heritage Scheme.

When completed, it is hoped the castle will have the capacity to attract 17,000 visitors a year.

At the event on Monday at Maxwell's Wine Bar, in King Street, Mark Herrington of Sainsbury's presented a cheque of £500 to the castle appeal.