By James Johnson

Last updated at 15:50, Friday, 04 March 2011

A set of stone stairs and what is believed to be a water fountain, both hidden for more than 60 years, have been uncovered at Lowther Castle.

The teenage volunteers

The castle, near Penrith, is undergoing a major transformation so it can be restored to its former glory. It hopes to recover 133 acres of lost gardens, and open to the public on Good Friday.

Fourteen teenage volunteers and three police community support officers recently took part in a clean-up event, part of community-led project Operation MIST (Motivate, Inspire, Skills and Teamwork), aimed at youngsters between 11 and15.

The castle’s project manager Andrew Mercer said: “There are records back to 1683 showing a set of stone stairs that were obscured – so the group set out to uncover them. The records showed that there was probably a staircase there to be uncovered, and thankfully that’s exactly what happened.

“The weather was horrible on the day of the clean-up. When I woke up it was snowing and there were already three inches of snow on the ground. I was absolutely delighted when every single one of the young volunteers turned up.”

Mr Mercer said he was extremely pleased with the youth volunteers and their positive attitude towards the project.

Mr Mercer said: “The idea is that these are volunteers who are looking for a little inspiration. They were great fun to work with.

“They didn’t turn up in what I consider to be traditional gardening clothes, but it was great to see them dragging and chucking logs on the bonfire that we’d made.

“Some of the girls turned up in full make-up. I was chatting to one afterwards and I was astonished how she’d been throwing logs around but managed to stay in such a pristine condition!”

Looking to the future, there are plans to clear an area that will give a view of the castle and surrounding fells from a central point. Andrew says he is optimistic abut the future.

He said: “The castle finally opening to the public will be a very special day for us.”

The new attraction is expected to draw more than 160,000 visitors each year, create new jobs and generate more than £10m for the county’s economy.

First published at 14:26, Friday, 04 March 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk