THIS is the first glimpse of a new glass walkway being installed as part of a £3.2m castle renovation.

Foundations of the walkway, which will link the Norman keep with other buildings on the site, were shown to former Lancashire High Sheriff Peter Robinson, during a sneak preview of building work undertaken at the site.

Work is being carried out by William Anelay Ltd and the glass atrium will link the Clitheroe Castle Museum and North West Sound Archives on two levels, as well as a café, exhibition space, interactive display facilities and education suite.

The exterior work is expected to be complete by the end of October, a month ahead of schedule. Heritage design company the Continuum Group, York, will then start on the interior work.

Ribble Valley Borough Council’s community development manager, Chris Hughes, said: “The restoration and building work has made great progress and I am delighted that the interior work will start ahead of schedule.

“Work on revamping the Clitheroe Castle Gardens will also start soon and, all in all, the castle is on target to re-open next spring.”

Peter Robinson added: “This is a huge project and it is fantastic to see how it is progressing. I am particul-arly pleased with the atrium, which looks set to be a stunning building.”

Clitheroe Castle has dominated the Ribble Valley skyline since its construction in the 12th century by Robert de Lacy.

The Clitheroe Castle Heritage Scheme, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, North West Development Agency, Ribble Valley Borough Council and the SITA Trust, is one of the biggest heritage projects in the North West.

The site will undergo major restoration and internal modernisation in a bid to develop a reputation as a quality attraction, with strong links in the education and specialist interest sectors.