Heritage enthusiasts had the chance to see how £1.25 million restoration works at a Shropshire castle were progressing.

About 16 members of Hopton Castle Preservation Trust visited the site and enjoyed views from the top of the castle.

A new archway has been built in the castle’s north west tower and a new roof is being put over one tower to protect the original medieval plaster.

Scaffolding, which has surrounded the castle for more than two years, is due to come down this week and it is hoped the restoration  will be finished by Christmas.

It marks the beginning of the end of an appeal launched by trust members 10 years ago to restore the castle ruins.

The project has since been delayed by poor weather and new problems discovered in the castle structure.

Tom Baker, trust chairman, said the group visited the site on Saturday and added: “We had about 16 trustees turn up to get a last glimpse from the top of the castle and we are hopeful the scaffolding will come down this week.

“I would like to say a big thank you to our contractors Conservation Building Services. They have been on site for a year now and they have done a tremendous job.

“It’s hard to put a date on when this will all be finished but we are hopeful it will be by Christmas.”

• For more details visit www.hoptoncastle.org.uk